Tab Baldwin, Ateneo fined P4.9 million over work permit violations
The Department of Labor and Employment has imposed a P4.9-million fine on former Ateneo de Manila University basketball head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and the university for failing to secure a Certificate of Exemption in connection with the deaths of two student-athletes, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In its decision shared on Aug. 11, DOLE found Baldwin and the university liable for violations related to his employment.
Baldwin was fined P10,000 for working for Ateneo from Dec. 1, 2015, to Sept. 28, 2016, without a valid Alien Employment Permit, while the university was ordered to pay the same amount for employing him without the required permit.
DOLE also found Baldwin liable for failing to secure a required Certificate of Exemption for his subsequent employment. Since each day of unauthorized employment constituted a separate violation, he was assessed a P4.9-million fine for 490 days from Feb. 10, 2025, until his resignation on June 15, 2026.
Ateneo was held jointly and solidarily liable for the same fine.
“Mr. Thomas Anthony A. Baldwin in Ateneo de Manila University to be administratively liable for separate violations of Article 40 of the Labor Code as amended and renumbered, and its implementing rules and regulations,” the decision read.
The decision also referred the matter to the Bureau of Immigration for possible deportation proceedings.
“Without prejudice to civil, administrative, or criminal complaints pending before other investigative agencies or the courts of law against Mr. Baldwin, this matter is hereby referred to the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation for summary deportation proceedings,” it added.
Counsel for Baldwin and ADMU said they would seek available legal remedies.
This stemmed from a controversial team-building drowning incident in Aurora involving the Ateneo men’s basketball team, which prompted DOLE to investigate whether he had a valid AEP and was complying with Philippine labor laws.
Before this, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines "perpetually banned" Baldwin from all UAAP competitions and related activities in any official, coaching, administrative, or advisory capacity. He is strictly prohibited from entering any UAAP venue. The board noted this sanction is final and unappealable.
