Leaving Your Job in the Philippines: The Complete Employee Checklist

Before You Leave: Pre-Separation

• ✅Compute your estimated final pay using FinalPay.ph before resigning.
• ✅Review your employment contract for notice period requirements, return-of-equipment clauses, and non-compete provisions.
• ✅Check your company's leave policy — find out how many unused leave credits you have and whether they are convertible to cash.
• ✅Make copies of important documents: payslips, employment contract, appointment letter, performance evaluations, and relevant communications.
• ✅Update your government records — ensure your SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG details are current.
• ✅Identify all company property you need to return (laptop, ID, uniforms, tools, etc.).

Submitting Your Resignation

• ✅Write a formal resignation letter addressed to your immediate supervisor or HR department.
• ✅Observe the required 30-day notice period, unless the employer waives it in writing.
• ✅Keep a copy of your resignation letter with proof of receipt (email read receipt or signed acknowledgment).
• ✅Be professional — your final impression matters for references and clearance.
• ✅Get written confirmation of your last working day from HR.

During Your Notice Period

• ✅Complete pending tasks and prepare handover notes for your replacement or team.
• ✅Start the clearance process as early as possible: return equipment, settle loans, etc.
• ✅Do not sign documents waiving your rights to final pay or benefits without careful review.
• ✅Document any disputes over deliverables or work completion early.

On Your Last Day

• ✅Return all company property and get a signed acknowledgment receipt for each item.
• ✅Secure your clearance certificate — a signed document confirming no outstanding obligations.
• ✅Confirm your final pay timeline with HR (legally, within 30 days of separation).
• ✅Request your Certificate of Employment (COE) — you are entitled to it within 3 working days.
• ✅Update your contact details with HR for final pay slips and COE delivery.

After Separation: What to Expect

Final Pay

Must be released within 30 days from the date of separation, per DOLE Labor Advisory No. 06-20.

Certificate of Employment (COE)

Must be issued within 3 working days of your request.

Back Pay Contents

Includes unpaid salary, pro-rated 13th month pay, unused leave conversion, and any other earned but unpaid benefits.

Government Contributions

Update your SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG status to Voluntary Member to maintain your coverage.

If Your Employer Doesn't Comply

1. 1Send a formal demand letter to your employer.
2. 2File a Request for Assistance (RFA) at your nearest DOLE regional office under the SEnA process.
3. 3If mediation fails, escalate to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).

Key Dates to Remember

Notice Period

30 days (unless waived by employer in writing)

Final Pay Release

Within 30 days from date of separation

COE Issuance

Within 3 working days of your request

SSS Unemployment Benefit Filing

Within 1 year from involuntary separation

Illegal Dismissal Complaint

Within 4 years from dismissal

Money Claims (unpaid wages, etc.)

Within 3 years from the time the cause of action arose