DOLE fines Tab Baldwin P9.8M, Ateneo P4.9M over work permits

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment has fined former Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin P9.8 million and Ateneo de Manila University P4.9 million over violations of employment rules for foreign nationals.

DOLE ordered Baldwin to pay P4.9 million for failing to secure an alien employment permit and another P4.9 million for failing to obtain a certificate of exemption.

Ateneo was separately fined P4.9 million for employing Baldwin, a US-New Zealand national, without the required documents.

"This office hereby finds Mr. Thomas Anthony 'Tab' Baldwin and Ateneo De Manila University to be administratively liable for separate violations of Article 40 of the Labor Code," the decision read.

Baldwin appeared before the DOLE panel with his counsel, while Ateneo and university president Roberto Yap were represented by lawyers Joseph De Jesus and Krishna Santos.

Baldwin, Ateneo dispute liability

During a June hearing, Baldwin acknowledged that he had not secured an alien employment permit since 2013, saying he had been advised that his permanent resident status was sufficient.

Permanent residents are exempt from securing an alien employment permit but are required to obtain a certificate of exemption.

Ateneo, meanwhile, maintained that it had no employer-employee relationship with Baldwin, saying he served only as a consultant.

Lawyers for Baldwin and Ateneo said they would pursue available legal remedies.

DOLE, meanwhile, said Baldwin's case would be referred to the Bureau of Immigration for possible summary deportation proceedings.

The labor case arose from an investigation following the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, in June.

Separate complaints arising from the deaths, including allegations involving hazing and homicide-related offenses, are also being evaluated by authorities.

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