Baldwin’s Resignation Irrelevant to DOLE’s AEP Probe, – Sec. Tolentino

Resigned Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin was at Rene Baterbonia’s wake, a tragic drowning victim, alongside teammate Divine Adili.

Baldwin’s Resignation Irrelevant to DOLE’s AEP Probe, – Sec. Tolentino

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 17, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) affirms that the recent resignation of former Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin will not impede its investigation into potential non-compliance with Alien Employment Permit (AEP) regulations. Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino underscored that the inquiry focuses on the period of alleged infractions and the existing employer-employee relationship at that time, rather than Baldwin’s current employment status.

Secretary Tolentino clarified the investigation’s scope in a recent interview: “We are scrutinizing an incident that transpired on June 8, focusing on the pre-existing employee-employer relationship during that period.” This confirms a backward-looking assessment of compliance.

Baldwin, represented by legal counsel, appeared at the initial hearing following a June 11 subpoena from Secretary Tolentino. Citing health and mental stress, Baldwin’s personal absence was noted, with DOLE awaiting his verified response by June 25.

Secretary Tolentino distinguished between an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) for residency and an AEP for work authorization, emphasizing DOLE’s commitment to verifying Baldwin’s AEP status with strict adherence to due process. 

Should violations be found, Ateneo, as the employer, may face accountability. The formal hearing is scheduled for June 29, where critical documents will be presented, and Baldwin’s personal attendance is expected.

A Community’s Grief, A University’s Scrutiny

The tragic drowning deaths of Divine Adili, a promising Ateneo de Manila University basketball center, and incoming rookie Rene Baterbonia in Dipaculao have ignited profound grief and an intense demand for accountability. 

Elias Adili, Divine’s father, thousands of miles away in Nigeria, grapples with the unbearable loss of his eldest son—a primary financial support for his family—and vehemently questions the safety protocols surrounding the incident.

The profound impact of this tragedy is further underscored by the outpouring of support for Rene Baterbonia. Thousands of sympathizers lined the streets to pay their respects as a hearse carrying Baterbonia’s body passed on its way to his hometown. 

For many, Baterbonia was a hero whose story inspired countless impoverished children to uplift their families through sports. His untimely passing has etched itself into the hearts of many. Meanwhile, Divine Adili’s wake is enveloped in grief and sadness, attended primarily by his countrymen and friends as his parents await financial assistance to travel to the Philippines and repatriate his remains.

“The Moment Ateneo Forgot to Be Ateneo”: Calls for Leadership Accountability

Amidst the official investigation, alumnus Mon Cualoping, in a powerful social media post titled “THE MOMENT ATENEO FORGOT TO BE ATENEO,” has voiced deep frustration and called for the resignation of Father Bobby Yap, SJ, and Matec Villanueva. Cualoping argues that Ateneo de Manila failed to embody its core Jesuit and Ignatian values in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Cualoping highlighted Ateneo’s teachings on social justice, the preferential option for the poor, and being “Men and Women for Others,” lamenting that this moment could have been “Ateneo de Manila’s finest hour.” He posited it as an opportunity to demonstrate cura personalis by caring for grieving families, practice Magis by exceeding legal or institutional requirements, and truly become “Men and Women for Others”—finding God in grief, suffering, and solidarity.

Instead, Cualoping asserts, “Ateneo de Manila chose institutional preservation over pastoral leadership. Process over presence. Protocol over people.” He views this as a profound missed opportunity, stating, “Sayang na sayang. Because the Ateneo I know and love is capable of so much more.”

Cualoping’s impassioned plea extends accountability beyond Coach Baldwin, arguing that decisions made by Father Bobby Yap, SJ, and Matec Villanueva have severely damaged the University’s credibility, moral authority, and public trust. 

He concludes that for the good of the University, for community healing, and for the restoration of trust, new leadership may be necessary, emphasizing that “Ateneo is bigger than any president, vice president, administrator, or coach. And the Ateneo we love deserves better.”

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