Dole: Tab Baldwin yet to submit verified answer on work permit validity

MANILA, Philippines — Resigned Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin is yet to submit his verified explanation on the validity of his employment in the country to the Department of Labor and Employment, according to the agency’s secretary Francis Tolentino on Wednesday.

Tolentino earlier subpoenaed Baldwin to prove his valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and explain the June 8 team building in Aurora that claimed the lives of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Following his summon on June 15, Baldwin was given 10 days or until June 25 to submit his verified explanation.

READ: Dole chief summons Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin over drownings, work permit

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“His last day to file a verified answer will be on the [June] 25th. Today is a holiday in Manila. After that, the hearing will be on [June],” Tolentino told reporters in an interview.

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Every foreign national employed in the Philippines is required to have a valid AEP issued by the Dole, under Article 40 of the Labor Code of the Philippines and Dole Department Order No. 248, series of 2025.

Tolentino added that Baldwin submitted a redacted version of his Alien Certificate Registration, a document issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

Tolentino also said that while the deadline of the submission of the verified explanation is extendible, he noted that they “got the commitment from his lawyer” that Baldwin will comply with the agency’s directive.

The agency has set June 29 for the formal hearing on his working permit validity with a decision expected to come out after 30 days. Tolentino said that Baldwin is not physically required to submit his explanation but he must attend the hearing.

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What if Baldwin fails to prove the legality of his working permit? Tolentino said: “Deportation will be served after imprisonment but it has to be after the conviction,” noting that the coach may be imprisoned from three months to three years.

Aside from presenting a valid AEP, Tolentino earlier said that Baldwin is required to present the following documents:

Valid employment contract with Ateneo consistent with the terms of the AEP

Proof that AEP covers full scope of his coaching and supervisory activities, including off-campus training activities such as the team building exercises in Aurora

Documentation showing compliance with Dole’s reporting requirements, including notification of any change in position, workplace, or scope of work

Written explanation of the June 8 team building in Aurora “including the nature of the activity, supervision arrangements, and safety protocols observed, as part of Dole’s broader investigation into the drowning incident” /mr

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