Baldwin, Ateneo fined P4.9 million

MANILA, Philippines — Over P4.9 million must be paid by the Ateneo de Manila University and former Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin for violating work permit rules, the Department of Labor and Employment announced yesterday.

Under the DOLE’s decision released yesterday, Ateneo and Baldwin must each pay an administrative fine of P10,000.

Baldwin worked without a valid alien employment permit from Dec. 1, 2015 to Sept. 28, 2016, according to DOLE.

Another fine of P4.9 million is imposed over Baldwin’s failure to secure a certificate of exemption for his subsequent employment, from Feb. 10, 2025 to June 15.

Each of the 490 days carries a penalty of P10,000.

If Baldwin cannot pay P4.9 million, Ateneo must shoulder the liability, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino pointed out.

“Ateneo is reviewing the DOLE’s order with its legal team and studying remedies available,” the university said.

Under the DOLE’s rules, employing a foreigner without an exemption certificate constitutes continuing noncompliance, with each day considered a separate prohibited act.

Labor officials referred the matter to the Bureau of Immigration for summary deportation proceedings.

“His visa would be lost as a consequence. However, this would take place after the criminal liability is addressed,” Tolentino said.

Administrative proceedings for noncompliance with the Commission on Higher Education are possible, he said.

Baldwin resigned on June 15 as coach of the Ateneo men’s basketball team after two athletes drowned in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Reaching out

Ateneo continues to reach out to Rene Clert Baterbonia’s family as they mourn the student-athlete’s death.

Since the family’s commemoration of the 40th day after Baterbonia’s death, Ateneo has repeated its request to meet with them, “but so far, have not been given a chance to do so.”

“We take this opportunity to reach out once again to the Baterbonia family, this time publicly, in the hope that we can finally sit down with them again, listen to them, provide the answers we can and extend whatever care or support they may need,” Ateneo said. “We remain here for them, whenever they are ready.”

Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, died on June 8 during a team-building activity in Aurora. — Bella Cariaso