Photo from Inquirer

by Alexia Bangayan

On Tuesday, August 11, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) imposed an administrative fine of P4.9 million against former Ateneo De Manila University basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and the university, for failing to obtain a Certificate of Exemption (COE), which is required for foreign nationals who qualify for exemption from securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP).

”For failure to secure a Certificate of Exemption under DOLE Department Order No. 248, Series of 2025, Mr. Thomas Anthony ‘Tab’ Baldwin and Ateneo de Manila University are jointly and solidarily liable to pay an administrative fine in the total amount of P4,900,000,” said DOLE.

Baldwin had previously acknowledged that he did not possess an AEP while coaching the Ateneo men’s basketball team in the Philippines from December 2015 to September 2016.

Moreover, DOLE separately gave Baldwin a P10,000 fine for working without an AEP permit.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino stated Ateneo is ”solidarily liable” for Baldwin’s penalty and may have to pay it if Baldwin fails to do so.

However, Baldwin’s counsel defended that his permanent visa status exempted him from acquiring an AEP. 

Yet, according to DOLE Undersecretary Gerard Mosquera, a January 2025 issuance requires foreign nationals claiming exemption to secure a COE.

Mosquera clarified that Baldwin had neither applied nor obtained a COE since the issuance took effect.

DOLE also referred the case to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for its summary deportation proceedings. 

Tolentino said that before deportation could take place, the BI would first have to address the criminal cases, should there be any.