Manila: Former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) men's basketball coach Thomas Anthony "Tab" Baldwin and ADMU have been held administratively liable for separate violations of foreign employment regulations and ordered to pay fines totaling PHP4.92 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a ruling on Tuesday stating that both Baldwin and ADMU breached Article 40 of the Labor Code. This violation stemmed from Baldwin's failure to secure a valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP) during his coaching tenure from December 1, 2015, to September 28, 2016. The initial permit violation resulted in an administrative fine of PHP10,000 each for Baldwin and the university, as per Department Order No. 146-15.

Additionally, Baldwin was found liable for not obtaining the necessary Certificate of Exemption for his subsequent employment. The applicable regulations dictate that employing a foreign national without the required exemption certificate constitutes ongoing noncompliance, with each day considered a separate infraction. As a result, Baldwin and the university were jointly and solidarily held accountable for a PHP4.9 million fine, calculated at PHP10,000 per day over a 490-day period from February 10, 2025, to June 15, 2026, when Baldwin resigned.

The DOLE decision also mentioned, "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 DOLE's investigation into Baldwin's compliance with labor laws and his lack of a valid AEP was prompted by the tragic incident on June 8 in Aurora, where Ateneo Blue Eagles players Rene Clert Baterbonia, 18, and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, 21, drowned during a team-building event.