UMVA has learned that foreign nationals working in the Philippines may face intense scrutiny from both labor and immigration authorities, even before any potential criminal cases are resolved. This development comes amid the ongoing investigation into the tragic deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes in Aurora.
The Department of Labor and Employment has taken a significant step by directing Ateneo’s men’s basketball coach, a foreign national, to appear before the agency. The coach must present documents related to his authority to work in the Philippines, including his Alien Employment Permit (AEP). This move is part of a broader probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the student-athletes.
As multiple government agencies investigate the incident, the Department of Justice has also received a request for an immigration lookout bulletin order against the coach. A labor leader has emphasized that a foreign national’s authority to work in the Philippines is subject to ongoing compliance with local laws and regulations.
The labor leader, president of the Federation of Free Workers, pointed out that an AEP is not a license to disregard the law. He cited specific provisions of the Labor Code and DoLE Department Order that govern the issuance of employment permits to foreign nationals. According to him, if a foreign professional is found liable in a negligence-related case, labor and immigration authorities may separately assess whether the individual remains qualified to continue working and staying in the country.
In a critical clarification, the labor leader noted that employment and immigration consequences do not automatically follow from allegations alone. He stressed that administrative proceedings are independent of criminal proceedings, and labor and immigration authorities may initiate an administrative review even before a criminal case is resolved.
Foreign nationals, he added, are entitled to due process, including notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a fair determination by the proper authorities. The labor leader emphasized that an accusation is not a conviction, but neither is an AEP a shield against accountability.
Meanwhile, labor groups have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and have joined calls for transparency and accountability. They have urged Ateneo to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations and ensure accountability for those responsible for student safety.
The university has taken steps to address the situation, placing the coach and team manager on leave while conducting its own inquiry. Authorities are still determining whether any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.
