BAGUIO City—The state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) today regained control of the 247-hectare John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) following a peaceful enforcement of a 2015 Regional Trial Court (RTC) order to vacate issued against the privately owned Camp John Hay Development Co. (CJHDevCo).
Enforcement of the court order came on the heels of a Supreme Court (SC) decision allowing BCDA to recover the government property from the CJHDevCo, ultimately ending a protracted legal battle that lasted about nine years.
The SC ruling reaffirmed the RTC verdict upholding the BCDA’s rights over the former United States military camp here.
“This victory is a win for the Filipino people as it paves the path for exciting investments and projects that will drive socio-economic opportunities and protects the interests of all,” said BCDA President and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang.
“As we open new doors of opportunity, more businesses may reinvest their capital in Camp John Hay and build upon the workforce; all while ensuring that the environmental and cultural integrity of the area are preserved and protected,” he added.
With the writ fully implemented, the BCDA took over the John Hay facilities such as The Manor, the Forest Lodge, the Camp John Hay Golf Club, the CAP Convention Center, the Commander’s cottage, as well as open spaces and other areas.
The court also booted out Judeson Estaquio, general manager of the Camp John Hay Golf Club, Inc., and Ramon Cabrera, general manager of The Manor and the Forest Lodge, and padlocked their respective offices, along with the CJHDevCo offices.
The CJHDevCo employees were given until today (Jan. 7) to clear their offices in compliance with the eviction order.
The Baguio Regional Trial Court on Tuesday (Jan. 3) upheld the Supreme Court ruling and junked CJH DevCo’s latest attempt to hold control of the Camp John Hay estate.
