BAGUIO CITY: The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced that business operations within Camp John Hay will remain uninterrupted as the management of the leased area transitions to government control. This follows a Supreme Court decision denying motions from the private developer, Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo), regarding property rights.
According to Philippines News Agency, the BCDA’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet, issued a statement to local journalists assuring the public that businesses would continue their operations at Camp John Hay. The BCDA is working closely with stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of management. The statement came after the Supreme Court’s En Banc resolution dated October 22, 2024, which denied with finality the motions from CJHDevCo and its third-party respondents.
The Supreme Court previously allowed the BCDA to reclaim the 247-hectare property within the John Hay Special Economic Zone from CJHDevCo.
This area is part of a larger 695-hectare reservation that came under BCDA management after the United States relinquished it in the early 1990s. CJHDevCo had leased the property from the BCDA.
The Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court issued an Entry of Judgment on October 22, certifying that the April 3, 2024, Supreme Court decision has been officially recorded. The decision upholds a 2015 arbitral award, reinstates the writ of execution, and orders CJHDevCo and related parties to vacate the leased premises at Camp John Hay.
