BCDA urges John Hay stakeholders to reach out

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Friday called on stakeholders to be affected by the looming management change at Camp John Hay to communicate with them to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.

In an advisory, the government-owned and controlled corporation said that affected parties can email them at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph, or to call or send a message to (63) 962 534 9397 or (63) 954 976 8295.

“[The] BCDA has also set up a satellite office at the former IHG office in Camp John Hay to assist all stakeholders on the matter,” it said.

Full potential

“Rest assured that BCDA is working to maximize the full potential of Camp John Hay for the benefit of the government and of the Filipino people. All are enjoined to come together to share in this vision for a better Camp John Hay,” it added.

Last Oct. 22, the high court upheld an earlier verdict reinstating an arbitration ruling that voided the development lease of the 247-hectare property.

The ruling mandates the eviction of the Sobrepeña-led Camp John Hay Development Corp., with the BCDA required to reimburse the developer’s investments.

Developments

CJHDevco took over the 1996 lease from a previous consortium, investing P1.42 billion over 16 years to build hotels, luxury residences, and a modernized golf course within Camp John Hay.

Disputes with the BCDA arose later in 2012 over the restructuring of the lease agreement, leading to a protracted legal battle, a messy public word war, as well as multiple lawsuits.

With its legal victory, the BCDA is currently reviewing a commitment it made in 1994 to release the developed portions of Camp John Hay to the Baguio local government once its developer’s lease is terminated.

The BCDA is also exploring potential deals with tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan to develop the property.