How to fill in this resignation letter
- 1Date
e.g. November 12, 2026 - 2Addressed to
e.g. Ms. Patricia L. Reyes - 3Their position
e.g. Human Resources Manager - 4Company
e.g. Northpoint Logistics Philippines, Inc. - 5Greeting
e.g. Dear Ms. Reyes: - 6Your position
e.g. Senior Customer Service Representative
When you may leave without the 30-day notice
Article 300(b) of the Labor Code allows an employee to resign without notice for a just cause. If your reason is not one of these, ask the employer to waive the notice period — this version does — and keep their written reply.
- Serious insult by the employer or their representative on your honor and person.
- Inhuman and unbearable treatment by the employer or their representative.
- A crime or offense committed by the employer or their representative against you or your immediate family.
- Other causes analogous to these.
Health and family reasons
Illness or an urgent family matter is a common and understandable reason, but it is not automatically a just cause under Article 300(b). State it honestly and briefly, attach a medical certificate if you have one, and ask for the notice to be waived. Most employers agree when the reason is genuine and the turnover is offered.
Before you hand it in
A resignation letter is short, polite and specific. Check yours against what HR will look for.
- Your full name and position exactly as in your employment records.
- A clear effective date — your last working day.
- An offer to turn over your work and return company property (ID, laptop, keys).
- Your signature, on two printed copies — one for HR, one signed as received for you.
What happens after
Expect a clearance process: you return company property and settle accountabilities, and departments sign you off. Your final pay — unpaid salary, pro-rated 13th month pay, unused service incentive leave converted to cash, and any tax refund — follows, together with your certificate of employment and BIR Form 2316.
Questions people ask
What if my employer does not agree to waive the notice?
You can still leave, but the employer may claim damages it can prove were caused by your leaving without notice, and may hold your clearance until accountabilities are settled. Offer to help remotely with the turnover and put your reason in writing — a medical certificate helps.
How much notice do I have to give?
At least thirty days (one month), in writing, under Article 300 of the Labor Code — unless your contract or company policy asks for a longer turnover, or your employer agrees to a shorter one. Count the thirty days from the day the employer RECEIVES the letter, not the day you wrote it.
Why is there a "Received by" line?
Print two copies. Hand one to HR or your manager and ask them to sign and date your copy. That signed copy is your proof the notice was served on time — keep it with your final pay and clearance papers.
When do I get my final pay and certificate of employment?
Under DOLE Labor Advisory No. 06-2020, final pay is generally released within thirty days from separation, unless a company policy or agreement is more favorable. A certificate of employment must be issued within three days of your request.
Can my employer refuse my resignation?
An employer cannot force you to keep working, but it may hold you to the thirty-day notice and to the turnover and clearance process. If you need to leave sooner, ask in writing for the notice to be waived — the immediate version does this for you.
This page explains common practice and is not legal advice. Offices set their own rules — when in doubt, call ahead or ask your notary or lawyer.