BIZ BUZZ: Ex-Camp John Hay operator ready for DOJ probe

The Sobrepena-led former operator of Camp John Hay isn’t losing sleep yet over the latest buzz linking it to a possible Department of Justice probe.

Addressing media reports about a looming investigation, the Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) said it has received no formal notice, request, or communication yet from the Department of Justice.

“Nonetheless, should any official investigation proceed, CJHDevCo is fully prepared to respond and cooperate with the proper authorities in accordance with the law,” said in a statement, confident that both its track record and paper trail can do the talking.

“CJHDevCo remains committed to transparency and will continue to act responsibly in the interest of all stakeholders and in full compliance with Philippine law,” it added

Since handing over Camp John Hay to BCDA last January, the former operator of Baguio’s iconic mountain retreat says it’s been busy playing cleanup crew, fighting to protect homeowners and investors who bought in with government blessings and a whole lot of good faith.

CJHDevCo history with Camp John Hay is the stuff of business lore.

It ran the show there since 1996 under a long-term lease with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

But what started as a grand tourism reboot turned messy, very messy.

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After years of legal crossfire, an arbitral tribunal in 2015 declared both CJHDevCo and BCDA guilty of contract breaches.

The verdict? CJHDevCo was ordered to hand back the land and, surprise twist, the government was told to refund ₱1.42 billion in lease payments.

As fresh legal heat rolls in again like pine-scented fog in Baguio—thick, lingering, and hard to ignore—CJHDevCo says it’s more than ready to face whatever comes their way.