BUSINESS AS USUAL In this photo taken on Jan. 6, it is all quiet and business as usual inside Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center after the takeover of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority at the start of the year. —NEIL CLARK ONCHANGCO
MANILA, Philippines — Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevco) has asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to recognize the rights of third-party owners and investors of Camp John Hay in Baguio City in exchange of the corporation’s offer to waive P1.42-billion final award.
The corporation, in a letter to the president dated April 4, 2025, said that the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) padlocked homes and condominium units of several residents beginning on January 7, 2025 “without due notice and without following due process.”
The Supreme Court recently upheld a 2015 arbitral ruling to return Camp John Hay to BCDA, a state-run organization. As part of the high court’s decision, the CJHDevco vacated the property last January 7, while the BCDA was asked to make a P1.42 billion refund.
CJHDEVCO said that the “grave and unjust situation” left many home and unit owners “in limbo,” making the affected homeowners appeal to the president to allow them to peacefully remain in their homes to resolve their conflict.
“We implore you, Mr. President, to restore the credibility and integrity of the government and its PPP Program. Let us stand together to protect the rights of all third-party owners and investors in Camp John Hay,” the letter read.
“If only for this purpose, CJHDEVCO is prepared to do its part by relinquishing its rights to the P1.42 billion Final Arbitral Award in favor of the BCDA, as long as the rights of all third-party owners and investors are fully recognized, honored, and respected,” it added.
The CJHDevco also noted that the following individuals are affected by the conflict: 189 owners at The Manor; 208 owners at The Forest Lodge; 25 country home owners; 56 forest cabins owners; 13 owners of VOA log homes; 45 owners of estate houses and lots; 38 owners of lot pads; and 2,500 golf membership certificate holders.
The corporation also called on the Office of the President to command BCDA “to keep the owners and investors free and harmless from any legal challenges in this matter, to restore peace within the Camp, and to preserve the integrity of the government’s PPP Program.”
In return, the corporation vowed to safeguard and preserve government policies on local and foreign investments.
Businessman Robert John Soprepeña, who heads CJHDevco, won the 1996 contract to commercialize 247 hectares of Camp John Hay. Camp John Hay is one all former American military bases that BCDA oversees.
The BCDA previously said that it signed over 100 lease agreements, equivalent to 95% residential units, in Camp John Hay.
Source: Camp John Hay developer appeals to Marcos: Help resolve issue
