DOLE Slaps Baldwin, Ateneo with P4.9M+ Fine Over Egregious Work Permit Violations, Recommends Deportation

(Photo courtesy: DOLE)

DOLE Slaps Baldwin, Ateneo with P4.9M+ Fine Over Egregious Work Permit Violations, Recommends Deportation

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | August 11, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a landmark decision underscoring its unwavering commitment to labor law enforcement, 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 (ADMU) administratively liable for flagrant violations concerning the employment of foreign nationals. The ruling, promulgated by DOLE’s Lupon Pamagawa under Secretary Francis N. Tolentino on August 11, 2026, levies a substantial fine exceeding P4.9 million and initiates summary deportation proceedings against Baldwin.

The DOLE’s meticulous investigation revealed that Thomas Anthony A. Baldwin unlawfully engaged in employment with Ateneo from December 1, 2015, to September 28, 2016, without the legally mandated Alien Employment Permit (AEP). For this initial transgression, Baldwin faces a P10,000 administrative fine.

Further compounding the violations, Baldwin failed to secure the required Certificate of Exemption for his subsequent employment period. Under existing regulations, this constitutes continuous noncompliance, with each day of unauthorized work deemed a distinct violation. Consequently, for a staggering 490-day period, spanning from February 10, 2025, until his resignation on June 15, 2026, Baldwin has been assessed an administrative fine of P4.9 million – calculated at P10,000 per day of violation.

Ateneo de Manila University is not exempt from culpability. The institution has been found liable for employing Baldwin without a valid AEP during the December 1, 2015, to September 28, 2016, period, incurring a P10,000 fine. Crucially, ADMU is also held jointly and solidarily liable with Baldwin for the colossal P4.9 million administrative fine, stemming from the failure to secure the necessary Certificate of Exemption for the 490-day period.

The DOLE’s decision explicitly states that Baldwin is administratively liable for separate violations of Article 40 of the Labor Code, as amended. Beyond the financial penalties, the Department has formally referred the matter to the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation for summary deportation proceedings against Baldwin, without prejudice to any other pending civil, administrative, or criminal complaints.

This definitive ruling by DOLE emphasizes its resolve to uphold labor laws impartially, regardless of the stature or influence of any employer or institution. The investigation into Baldwin’s compliance with Philippine labor laws was initiated following a controversial team-building drowning incident in Aurora involving the Ateneo men’s basketball team, bringing public scrutiny to his work status.

The Department affirmed that this case aligns with the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring universal adherence to labor regulations. DOLE pledges to intensify its labor law enforcement efforts, guaranteeing accessible justice for both workers and employers.

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