THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has found former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball coach Tab Baldwin administratively liable for violations involving his Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and Certificate of Exemption (CE).
In its decision dated Aug. 11, 2026, DOLE ordered Baldwin to pay a P4.9 million administrative fine for failing to secure the required CE for his employment with Ateneo from Feb. 10, 2025, until his resignation on June 15, 2026.
DOLE said that the period covered 490 days and that each day constituted a separate prohibited act. At the maximum fine of P10,000 per violation, the department assessed a P4.9 million fine for the 490 day period.
The Labor department also found Baldwin liable for working for Ateneo without a valid AEP from Dec. 1, 2015, to Sept. 28, 2016, and ordered him to pay a P10,000 administrative fine.
Ateneo was ordered to pay P10,000 for employing Baldwin without a valid AEP during the same period.
For the CE violation, DOLE held Ateneo jointly liable with Baldwin for the P4.9 million administrative fine.
In an interview, Labor chief Francis Tolentino said that Ateneo is “solidarily liable” to pay the P4.9 million in total violations if the ex-coach is unable to pay the amount.
Tolentino also told reporters that administratively they should pay within 30 days. If they fail to do so he said “Ateneo will have to answer for that.” The decision also referred the matter to the Bureau of Immigration for summary deportation proceedings, without prejudice to any civil, administrative or criminal complaints pending before investigative agencies or the courts.
During the proceedings, counsel for Baldwin and Ateneo said they would avail themselves of the remedies provided under applicable laws.
Baldwin’s camp had maintained that his permanent resident status exempted him from securing an AEP. DOLE, however, ruled that he was required to secure the necessary employment documents.
The Labor department’s inquiry into Baldwin’s work status and compliance with Philippine labor laws was triggered by the drowning of two members of the Ateneo men’s basketball team, in a team-building activity in Aurora.
The Ateneo de Manila University said it has received the DOLE order.
“The university is currently reviewing the order with its legal team and studying the remedies available to it under the law,” Ateneo said.
The university said that it would determine its next steps after completing its review.
