Camp John Hay Golf Club Inc. (CJHGCI) said it respects the Supreme Court’s decision and the corresponding notice to vacate.
It said that upon its execution on Jan. 6, 2025, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), together with its appointed interim management, John Hay Golf (JHG) Management, assumed control of the club and its facilities.
The enforcement of the ruling was implemented, and CJHGCI said it fully complied with the turnover process.
“However, it is critical to clarify that all movable assets of the golf club were explicitly not part of the turnover. CJHGCI, operating in good faith, initially anticipated that BCDA would honor the rights and privileges of the club’s members as enshrined in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-approved membership certificates and bylaws,” CJHGCI said.
It said this was based on BCDA’s earlier statements of commitment to ensuring fairness and continuity.
It said, however, that BCDA took the position that the rights of the golf club and its members have been rescinded, as stated in their public advisory which reads: “Memberships and other contracts with the previous management of the Camp John Hay golf estates were effectively rescinded by legal resolution.”
CJHGCI said with this development and BCDA’s refusal to acknowledge their vested rights, it implemented a plan to protect its assets and inventory.
“Movable assets such as turf maintenance equipment, golf carts and furnishings, are owned by the club and its members and were secured in compliance with the court directive. While these assets were not included in the turnover, CJHGCI remains open to including them in a formal turnover agreement—provided that BCDA acknowledges and respects the rights and privileges of the Club’s members as outlined in the bylaws and SEC-approved membership certificates, which remain valid until 2047,” it said.
CJHGCI said the utility interruptions on Jan. 7, 2025, were the result of BCDA’s failure to clarify responsibility for utility expenses.
CJHGCI said its engineering department temporarily shut off utilities until BCDA committed to assuming the costs from Jan. 6 onward.
“Once clarified, utilities were immediately restored. This situation highlights BCDA’s lack of a transition plan, not any malicious intent on the part of CJHGCI,” it said.
CJHGCI said it remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights of its members and ensuring that their privileges are upheld.
“For over two decades, the club has been a cornerstone of excellence, and its members’ rights, enshrined in SEC-approved certificates, cannot be unilaterally rescinded. Furthermore, CJHGCI has prioritized the welfare of its employees throughout this transition. Despite the hostile nature of the takeover, employee salaries were paid on Jan. 15, and the Club remains committed to fulfilling its obligations until all matters are resolved,” the club said.
CJHGCI said the club is an issuer of SEC-registered membership certificates, which remain valid until 2047.
“BCDA’s earlier commitment, which permits the Golf Club to utilize its parcels of land until 2047, was a critical factor in the SEC’s approval of these securities. These membership certificates represent vested rights that cannot be unilaterally nullified without due process and SEC approval. CJHGCI firmly upholds the position that the rights of its members must not only be acknowledged but also respected and safeguarded,” the club said.