The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has found former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball coach Thomas Anthony A. Baldwin and Ateneo de Manila University administratively liable for separate violations involving the employment of foreign nationals.
In a decision issued on August 11, DOLE said Baldwin worked for Ateneo from December 1, 2015 to September 28, 2016 without a valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP). He was ordered to pay a PHP10,000 administrative fine for the violation.
DOLE also found Baldwin liable for failing to secure the required Certificate of Exemption for his subsequent employment.
Under the applicable rules, employing a foreign national without the required exemption certificate constitutes continuing non-compliance, with each day treated as a separate violation.
For the 490-day period from February 10, 2025 until Baldwin’s resignation on June 15, 2026, DOLE assessed him an administrative fine of PHP4.9 million, calculated at PHP10,000 for each day of the alleged violation.
Ateneo de Manila University was likewise found liable for employing Baldwin without a valid AEP during the 2015-2016 period and was ordered to pay a PHP10,000 fine.
The university was also held jointly and solidarily liable with Baldwin for the PHP4.9-million administrative fine related to the failure to secure the required Certificate of Exemption for the 490-day period.
The DOLE decision stated, “Mr. Thomas Anthony A. Baldwin in Ateneo de Manila University [are] to be administratively liable for separate violations of Article 40 of the Labor Code as amended and renumbered, and its implementing rules and regulations.”
It further said, “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 statement means that the case has been referred to the Bureau of Immigration for summary deportation proceedings, without affecting any separate civil, administrative or criminal cases that may be pending against Baldwin before other agencies or courts.
Counsels representing Baldwin and Ateneo de Manila University said they would pursue the remedies available to them under applicable laws.
DOLE’s investigation into Baldwin’s employment status and compliance with Philippine labour laws stemmed from a controversial team-building drowning incident in Aurora involving the Ateneo men’s basketball team.
The department said the decision reflects its commitment to enforcing labour laws regardless of the status or standing of an employer or institution. It also reiterated the Marcos administration’s position that labour laws must be followed by both employers and workers.
DOLE said it will continue strengthening labour law enforcement and ensuring that workers and employers have access to justice.