Ateneo may face admin liability if lapses are found -- DOLE

Labor and Employment Secretary Francis Tolentino on Wednesday said Ateneo de Manila University may face administrative liability if lapses are found regarding the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity.

"Definitely, pero ayoko pangungahan (Definitely, but I don't want to preempt it)," Tolentino said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

To recall, Baterbonia and Adili drowned after being pulled by rip currents in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday, June 8.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) previously issued a subpoena for Tab Baldwin, the head coach of the Ateneo men's basketball team, over the fatal incident.

"Halimbawa napatunayan na mayroong mga violations nga… if within five years kung may napatunayan na violations, Coach Baldwin can no longer reapply to enter the Philippines or coach in the Philippines using an AEP," he said, referring to an alien employment permit as required from foreigners working in the country under Article 40 of the Labor Code.

(For example, if violations are proven… if violations are established within five years, Coach Baldwin can no longer reapply to enter the Philippines or coach in the Philippines using an AEP.)

"Likewise, Ateneo cannot hire a foreign coach within 10 years,” he added.

Baldwin and men's basketball team manager Epok Quimpo have resigned following backlash over the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.

In a video posted by the university, Baldwin apologized to the families of the players. Baterbonia's mother, however, has said that an apology is not enough.

Aside from the summon, Baldwin was earlier directed to submit any documentation showing compliance to DOLE's reporting requirement and a written explanation on the circumstances surrounding the June 8, 2026 team-building exercises, including the nature of the activity, supervision arrangements, and safety protocols observed.

DOLE has also said Baldwin may also be referred to the Bureau of Immigration for appropriate immigration actions including deportation. — VDV, GMA News