The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has penalized former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and the university a total of ₱4.9 million for failing to comply with foreign employment laws.
The administrative fine stems from the absence of a required Certificate of Exemption (COE) during Baldwin’s tenure leading the Blue Eagles men’s basketball program from February 10, 2025, until his resignation on June 15, 2026. Baldwin’s departure followed a tragedy in early June involving the drowning deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an off-campus beach resort training session in Aurora.
According to the decision released by DOLE, the P4.9-million penalty was calculated at a rate of P10,000 per day across the 490 days of the violation. Additionally, DOLE levied a separate P10,000 fine on both Baldwin and ADMU—penalizing Baldwin for working without an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and Ateneo for employing him without the proper credential.
The ruling cited Article 40 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, which mandates that any foreign national working in the country must secure a valid AEP. A hearing conducted last month established that Baldwin did not possess either an AEP or a COE while working.
In the order signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, DOLE referred Baldwin’s case to immigration authorities for further legal processing.
“Finally, 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,” the decision read.
Legal counsel representing both Baldwin and ADMU confirmed they intend to challenge the ruling through available legal avenues.