DOLE fines Baldwin, Ateneo P4.9 M for foreign worker permit violation
DOLE Tolentino
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ordered both basketball coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) to pay P4.9 million as fine for violating the provisions of the law governing the employment of foreigners.
The hefty fine was in connection with the failure of both Baldwin and the ADMU to secure a Certificate of Exemption (COE), since the former started working as the head coach of the school’s men’s basketball team from Feb. 10 last year until his resignation on June 15 this year.
Baldwin resigned from his post after the death of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an off-campus training at a beach resort in Aurora early June this year. The two players drowned during a water activity training.
In the decision released on Tuesday, Aug. 11, DOLE explained that the fine reached P4.9 million as it penalized both Baldwin and ADMU P10,000 per day for violation of the provision for a period of 490 days when the former was employed as basketball coach.
The same decision also penalized Baldwin and ADMU with P10,000 each— for Baldwin’s failure to obtain Alien Employment Permit (AEP) as a foreign worker, and for ADMU’ failure to do the same as an employer.
In issuing the decision, DOLE cited Article 40 of the Labor Code of the Philippines which stated that every foreign national employed in the country is required to have a valid AEP.
Baldwin, during a hearing last month, it was found out that Baldwin did not have an AEP and COE as a foreign worker in the country.
In the same decision signed by DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino, it said the case of Baldwin will be referred to the Bureau of Immigration for proper action.
“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.
The lawyers of both Baldwin and ADMU said they will avail of legal remedies in relation to the decision.