By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday said the resignation of Tab Baldwin as head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball would not affect the ongoing investigation into his compliance with the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) requirement.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the investigation focuses on the incident that occurred on June 8 and the employer-employee relationship that existed during that period, rather than on Baldwin’s current status following his resignation.
“We’re looking at an incident that transpired June 8th. We’re not looking at the prospective itself, of the resignation. [We are looking at] the employee-employer relationship, which existed during the tragic incident, would have to be scrutinized,” he said in a statement.
On Monday, the former Ateneo men’s basketball coach was represented by a counsel at the initial hearing following the subpoena issued by the DOLE.
Baldwin failed to attend the hearing apparently due to health and mental stress concerns.
He was asked to submit his verified answer on or before June 25.
A formal hearing is scheduled on June 29, during which documents will be submitted and clarifying questions will be raised.
Tolentino said they expect Baldwin to attend the proceedings.
Tolentino said an Alien Certificate of Registration allows a foreign national to reside in the Philippines, while an AEP permits them to work.
He said DOLE would verify Baldwin’s AEP status while observing due process, adding that Ateneo may be held accountable as the employer if violations are found. (PNA)
