Ex-Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin admits to lacking alien work permit
Former Ateneo men's basketball coach Tab Baldwin admitted that he does not hold an alien employment permit (AEP) despite working in the Philippines since 2013.
The American-New Zealand coach appeared at a clarificatory hearing on his work status before the Department of Labor and Employment on June 29. This comes weeks after the deaths of Atenean student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Labor Sec. Francis Tolentino stated that, based on the Bureau of Local Employment's records, Baldwin is not part of the list of foreign nationals granted an AEP.
"We do have documentation that an AEP was delivered to me—an AEP application was partially filled out, and I do not recall not doing that," Baldwin said before the panel. "My habits are that when I am asked to perform documentation, I do that. But this is now some 12-13 years ago, and I do not have clear recollection. I apologize for that."
Baldwin added that his former legal counsel told him that his permanent residency would suffice in place of an AEP.
"Nobody ever advised me that I should not have an AEP card. I was only advised that a permanent residency card would satisfy my employment requirement," he said.
One of the coach's legal counsel present backed this remark, stating, "Out of utmost caution, we take the position that the alien employment permit is not a requirement strictly applicable to our client in light of his permanent visa," Atty. Daniel Darvin said.
DOLE's rules state that a permanent resident is exempt from securing an AEP. However, they must obtain a certificate of exemption.
A second hearing will be held on July 9 after Baldwin's camp asked for time to check their records.
DILG recommends charges vs Baldwin, other Ateneo coaches
In a press briefing on Monday, Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Jonvic Remulla recommended filing charges in violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against Ateneo men's basketball team coaches, including Baldwin, in connection with the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
Remulla added that two student managers and two ball boys who were part of the activity won't be charged in the case if it is proven that they were unaware of the activity's alleged malicious intent. Instead, they may be turned into witnesses.
Other student-athletes who were part of the team-building trip in Dipaculao, Aurora were also not recommended to be respondents.
"Ang pinakamahalaga sa amin ay mapanagot ang siyang mga nagplano at sinadyang pahirapan ang mga student-athlete. Kaya rekomendasyon na kasuhan at litisin ang coaches ng Ateneo men's basketball team, lalo na ang head coach na si Tab Baldwin."
On June 26, the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group recommended filing criminal charges against Baldwin and 10 other team personnel over the drowning incident. It cited violations of the Anti-Hazing Act and potential homicide.
