Embattled former Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin has been slapped with a P9.8-million fine by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) for multiple work permit violations involving foreign nationals.

The labor department has ordered the resigned Blue Eagles mentor to pay P4.9 million for failure to secure an alien employment permit (AEP) and an additional P4.9-million for failing to obtain a certificate of exemption.

Likewise, Ateneo also received a separate P4.9-million fine for employing Baldwin, an American-New Zealand national, without the required document.

Baldwin, along with his counsel, appeared before the DoLE panel led by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino. Lawyers Joseph De Jesus and Krishna Santos represented Ateneo and its university president Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ.

“This office hereby finds Mr. Thomas Anthony ‘Tab’ Baldwin and Ateneo de Manila University to be administratively liable for separate violations of Article 40 of the Labor Code,” the decision read.

Counsels for Baldwin and Ateneo said they will avail remedies provided under applicable laws.

Baldwin has spent a decade serving as head coach of the Blue Eagles following his stint as head coach of Gilas Pilipinas.

He resigned from his Ateneo post following the tragic deaths of rookie Rene Baterbonia and Nigerian foreign student-athlete Divine Adili in a drowning incident during a team-building activity on 8 June in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Baldwin is facing multiple homicide-related charges for the deaths of his players and has been perpetually banned from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

In an earlier hearing, Baldwin acknowledged that he had not secured an AEP since 2013, citing his permanent resident status.

However, permanent residents are required to apply for a Certificate of Exemption under the DoLE Department Order No. 248, Series of 2025.

The rules took effect on 10 February 2025.

Baldwin continued rendering services to Ateneo without securing the required certificate of exemption until 14 June 2026, a day before his resignation.

Each day is treated as a separate violation carrying a maximum administrative fine of P10,000. DoLE counted 490 days of non-compliance.

Ateneo, on the other hand, maintained that Baldwin only served as a consultant and not an employee of the school.

Baldwin has been the head coach of the Blue Eagles since 2016 and won four UAAP titles.

Baldwin and Ateneo have around 30 days to pay the administrative fines set by DoLE. Baldwin’s case will also be referred to the Bureau of Immigration for possible summary deportation proceedings.

Both Baldwin and Ateneo’s lawyers will look for legal remedies to appeal the decision.