MANILA – The 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, resulting in a combined PHP4.92 million in fines.

In its decision on Baldwin’s employment status and authority to work in the Philippines, DOLE found that the American coach worked for Ateneo from December 1, 2015 to September 28, 2016 without a valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP).

Under Department Order No. 146, Series of 2015, foreign nationals working without a valid AEP may be fined PHP10,000 for each year or fraction thereof. Baldwin was thus 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 noncompliance, with each day considered a separate prohibited act.

For the 490-day period from February 10, 2025 to June 15, 2026, when Baldwin resigned, DOLE assessed him an administrative fine of PHP4.9 million, based on PHP10,000 for each day of violation.

Ateneo 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 fine arising from the failure to secure the required Certificate of Exemption.

“Mr. Thomas Anthony A. Baldwin in Ateneo de Manila University [is] to be administratively liable for separate violations of Article 40 of the Labor Code as amended and renumbered, and its implementing rules and regulations,” the decision read.

DOLE also referred the matter to the Bureau of Immigration for summary deportation proceedings, without prejudice to civil, administrative, or criminal complaints that may be pending against Baldwin before other government agencies or courts.

Counsels for Baldwin and Ateneo said they would avail themselves of the remedies provided under applicable laws.

The DOLE investigation into Baldwin’s work permit and compliance with Philippine labor laws stemmed from a controversial team-building drowning incident involving the Ateneo men’s basketball team in Aurora.

DOLE said the decision forms part of its efforts to enforce labor laws regardless of an employer or institution’s status and to ensure compliance with regulations governing the employment of foreign nationals.