The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a reminder to educational institutions employing foreign nationals to strictly follow Alien Employment Permit (AEP) requirements, amid the controversy surrounding Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin.
Labor Secretary's Statement
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino emphasized in a statement that employers and their foreign workers must secure proper employment permits before engaging in work in the Philippines. "All foreign nationals are not allowed to legally work without the AEP," Tolentino said.
He also stressed that parties involved must adhere to the provisions and coverage of their employment contracts, as these regulations aim to protect both workers and institutions.
"I think they should be concerned about the scope of the employer-employee relationship, the status of the employee, involved work outside the campus. They should limit themselves to the four corners of the employment contract," Tolentino added.
Probe on Baldwin Continues
The labor chief confirmed that the investigation into Baldwin will proceed despite his recent resignation from the Ateneo Blue Eagles. "We're looking at an incident that transpired on June 8th. We're not looking at the prospective itself, of the resignation," Tolentino explained.
"We are looking at the employee-employer relationship, which existed during the tragic incident. It will have to be scrutinized," he further stated.
Earlier, DOLE launched an investigation into Baldwin's AEP. The head coach is expected to submit his verified answer on or before June 25 and attend a formal hearing scheduled for June 29.
Background of the Case
On Monday, Ateneo de Manila University announced Baldwin's resignation following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
