Baguio Court dismisses latest bid to halt Camp John Hay recovery

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This decision follows an earlier ruling by Baguio RTC Branch 79, which also rejected a similar petition filed by another group of foreign sub-lessees attempting to prevent their eviction from Camp John Hay

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – A Baguio court has denied another attempt by Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) sub-lessees to block the government’s full recovery of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay estate, a former US military rest-and-recreation facility.

Branch 3 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) dismissed the petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and writ of preliminary injunction, ruling that the sub-lessees failed to prove they had independent legal rights separate from CJHDevCo.

The petition sought to prevent the implementation of the arbitral award that mandates the return of the property — including all improvements and permanent structures — to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

This decision follows an earlier ruling by Baguio RTC Branch 79, which also rejected a similar petition filed by another group of foreign sub-lessees attempting to prevent their eviction from Camp John Hay.

In its February 6 order, the court stated that the petitioners had acquired their rights from CJHDevCo as sub-lessees. Therefore, even if they were not direct parties to the arbitration between BCDA and CJHDevCo, they are still bound by the arbitral award because their rights were derived from CJHDevCo, which was a party to the legal proceedings.

The court ruled that the petitioners failed to establish a clear legal right to be exempted from the reinstated Writ of Execution and Notice to Vacate issued by the Baguio RTC.

BCDA chairperson Hilario Paredes welcomed the court’s decision, saying it affirms the government’s rightful claim to Camp John Hay and underscores the need for stakeholders to engage in productive discussions.

“The BCDA lauds the Baguio RTC and other law enforcement entities for continuously upholding the rule of law and protecting the government’s rights over Camp John Hay,” said Paredes. “This development proves what we have been saying all along — that the blame on the government, which is simply following the final ruling of the Supreme Court, is misdirected. We hope this gives way to productive dialogue with the claimants so we can discuss possible solutions regarding their claims.”

The legal dispute over Camp John Hay has spanned more than two decades. The controversy began in the early 2000s when CJHDevCo, the private developer that leased the property from BCDA, stopped paying its lease obligations, leading to a long and complex arbitration process.

On April 3, 2024, the Supreme Court invalidated a 2015 Court of Appeals ruling that had nullified the Writ of Execution and Notice to Vacate issued by the Baguio RTC Branch 6. The High Court ruled that all improvements on the property must be returned to BCDA, without exception.

On October 22, 2024, the Supreme Court denied with finality all motions for reconsideration filed by CJHDevCo and other intervenors, effectively clearing the way for BCDA to reclaim the estate.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling final and executory, the BCDA has encouraged affected individuals to engage in dialogue to explore legal and reasonable solutions.

“All those who are affected by the ruling are encouraged to reach out to the BCDA to discuss reasonable concerns within the bounds of the law,” the agency stated.

Stakeholders can contact the BCDA Help Desk via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or by phone at (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295. – Rappler.com