DOLE Fines Tab Baldwin ₱9.8M Over Work Permit Violations
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin to pay PHP9.8 million for alleged violations of employment permit requirements. Ateneo de Manila University was also ordered to pay PHP4.9 million for employing Baldwin without the required permits.
The DOLE announced the decision on August 11, 2026, following the June 8 drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, that killed two Ateneo student-athletes, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, during a team-building activity.
According to the DOLE, Baldwin violated Article 40 of the Labor Code by failing to secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and a Certificate of Exemption (COE). He was fined PHP4.9 million for each violation, totaling PHP9.8 million. Ateneo was separately ordered to pay PHP4.9 million for employing Baldwin without the required authorization.
Baldwin and Ateneo were also ordered to pay PHP10,000 each related to Baldwin’s lack of an AEP during part of his employment at the university from December 2015 to September 2016.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino explained that Ateneo is jointly responsible for one of the fines. This means the university may be required to pay the amount if Baldwin does not settle his obligation. Both Baldwin and Ateneo have 30 days to pay the administrative penalties.
The DOLE has also referred the case to the Bureau of Immigration for possible deportation proceedings against Baldwin. However, Tolentino said deportation cannot immediately proceed if criminal cases are filed against Baldwin in the Philippines. Any such cases would have to be addressed first.
Ateneo confirmed that it received the DOLE order and is reviewing the decision with its legal team. The university said it is studying the legal options available to it and will determine its next steps after the review. Baldwin has not yet released a public statement regarding the DOLE decision.
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