The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is reminding all companies in the Philippines to strictly adhere to the requirements for securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) following its investigation into the employment status of former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin.
Labor Secretary Issues Reminder
In a statement, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino advised all firms currently employing or intending to hire foreign workers to ensure they have compliant AEPs. “All employers and other stakeholders are reminded to be vigilant and accountable in complying with the requirements of the law, specifically Article 40 of the Labor Code of the Philippines,” Tolentino said. He added, “We hope that what we’ve done will further strengthen compliance with and enforcement of the AEP requirements.”
Legal Basis: Article 40 of the Labor Code
Article 40 of the Labor Code states that “any alien seeking admission to the Philippines for employment purposes, and any domestic or foreign employer who desires to engage an alien for employment in the Philippines shall obtain an employment permit from DOLE.” This provision underscores the legal obligation for both employers and foreign employees to secure the necessary permit before employment begins.
Background: Probe on Tab Baldwin
The reminder comes after DOLE launched a probe into Baldwin’s AEP and other employment issues involving the basketball coach and ADMU. The department conducted two clarificatory hearings on the case, with Baldwin personally attending the session on June 29. DOLE announced that it expects to issue a resolution on the case before the end of July.
