DoLE continues probe of Baldwin’s employment authority, says no AEP found on record
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said on Monday that its records do not show former Ateneo men’s basketball coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin ever obtaining an Alien Employment Permit (AEP), as it continued its inquiry into his authority to engage in gainful employment in the Philippines.
During a livestreamed clarificatory hearing, DoLE said records from the Bureau of Local Employment showed no AEP registered under Mr. Baldwin’s name. Records also indicate that he “has neither applied for an AEP nor has he filed an application for exemption or exclusion” under existing DoLE rules.
Questioned by the special panel led by Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, Mr. Baldwin acknowledged he had never personally applied for an AEP but said he recalled receiving assistance in processing his immigration documents.
Mr. Baldwin said he was assisted in processing his visa, Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) card, and work permit documents, although he could not clearly recall when the process began.
He was also advised his permanent resident status satisfied the requirements for employment in the Philippines, he said.
“Nobody ever advised me that I should not have an AEP card. I was only advised that a permanent residency card would satisfy my employment requirements,” he said.
Mr. Baldwin’s counsel, Daniel Nicholas C. Darvin, reiterated that an AEP is not required because he is a permanent resident under Section 13 of Commonwealth Act No. 613, or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
“We take the position that the AEP is not a requirement strictly applicable to our client in light of his permanent resident visa,” Mr. Darvin said.
Mr. Tolentino also questioned the gap between Mr. Baldwin’s arrival in the Philippines in 2013 and the issuance of his ACR card in 2016.
Mr. Darvin, however, said the defense was unprepared to address the matter during the hearing and requested additional time to submit supporting documents.
The department directed Mr. Baldwin’s former employer, Ateneo de Manila University, to appear before the panel on July 9 and ordered the parties to submit their memoranda supporting their legal positions before the department issues its decision.
The hearing forms part of DoLE’s motu proprio investigation into Mr. Baldwin’s employment authority, which the department stressed is separate from ongoing government investigations into the drowning incident in Aurora that claimed the lives of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez
