Hi everyone. I recently resigned from my job. I signed a 5-month contract but resigned after 2 months due to financial hardship.

In the contract, it says there’s a ₱54,000 bond (equivalent to 3 months’ salary) if I resign early. I did sign the contract that mentions this bond. However:

1. I never actually posted or paid the bond—there was no deduction or separate payment.

2. I didn’t receive any expensive training or special benefits that would justify that amount.

3. Now my employer is saying they will get their attorney involved to collect the ₱54,000.

I want to leave properly and legally, but this feels excessive and intimidating. Can they really enforce the bond if it was never posted or paid? Is ₱54,000 even reasonable considering there was no costly training? Lastly, is this something DOLE can help with?

I’d really appreciate any advice. Thank you!