Camp John Hay: A 3-decade saga of turf wars, court drama, and a new beginning

BAGUIO, Philippines – If the story of Camp John Hay were a telenovela, it would have everything: high-stakes property deals, court battles, evictions, and surprise twists.

Spanning three decades, this saga pits the government against a private developer, with some golf, and new players thrown in for good measure. It’s a story of land, legacy, and legal battles set in the heart of Baguio’s pine forests. 

For those just tuning in, here’s a rundown of the cast of characters and a timeline that might leave you asking, “Wait, what just happened?”

Government team

• Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA): A government agency tasked with repurposing former US military installations into economic hubs.
• Joshua M. Bingcang: BCDA president and CEO, leading the charge for redevelopment.
• Hilario B. Paredes, BCDA chairperson, a peacemaker extending olive branches.
• John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC): BCDA’s subsidiary tasked with managing the Camp John Hay property.
• Marlo Quadra, JHMC president and CEO, handling the on-ground nitty-gritty.

Private sector

Old guard

• CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo): Once the shining hope for turning Camp John Hay into a world-class eco-tourism destination. Led by businessman Robert John “Bob” Sobrepeña, CJHDevCo became the poster child for “what could have been,” promising grandeur but delivering unpaid rent, legal drama, and a showdown with BCDA.

New blood

• Landco Lifestyle Ventures: A member of the MVP Group, now managing The Manor, The Forest Lodge, and the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.
• Patrick “Pató” Gregorio: Landco’s hospitality and tourism guru, steering the ship through a rocky transition as the interim general manager. Think of him as the calm amid the storm.
• GolfPlus Management Incorporated (GMI) and DuckWorld PH: The dynamic duo handling golf course operations under BCDA’s supervision. Their mission? Keep the grass greener and the golfers happier.
• Mark Torres: BCDA vice president and interim general manager of the Camp John Hay Golf Course. Torres isn’t here to play – unless it’s golf. He’s the government’s man on the ground, ensuring the transition is by the book.
• Eduardo “Bong” Arguelles: GMI president, managing daily golf operations with DuckWorld PH. He’s the boots-on-the-ground leader ensuring the golf course remains not just playable but a premium destination for patrons old and new.

Here’s the timeline of the Camp John Hay saga:

Early 1990s: Goodbye, America

When the US military withdrew from its Philippine bases in 1991, including Camp John Hay, the property was initially turned over to the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote tourism development. However, the creation of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in 1992 through Republic Act No. 7227 transferred management of former US military bases to BCDA. Camp John Hay came under its jurisdiction in 1994.

1996: Enter CJHDevCo

BCDA signed a 25-year lease with CJHDevCo, owned by Robert John “Bob” Sobrepeña. The deal was for CJHDevCo to transform the property into an eco-tourism haven, complete with hotels, an improved golf course, and commercial spaces.

1997–2000s: Progress accelerates

CJHDevCo delivered on several promises, constructing The Manor, The Forest Lodge, and the Camp John Hay Golf Club. For a time, the vision of turning the property into Baguio’s crown jewel seemed achievable.

Early 2000s: The rent issue

CJHDevCo failed to pay its lease rentals, claiming BCDA hadn’t delivered on promised tax incentives. The unpaid rent accumulated into billions of pesos.

2012: Legal showdown begins

BCDA terminated CJHDevCo’s lease for nonpayment. CJHDevCo sued, arguing BCDA didn’t fulfill its obligations. Thus began a decade-long legal battle.

2015: Everyone loses

An arbitration panel ruled that both parties violated their agreement. CJHDevCo was ordered to return the property to BCDA, while BCDA was told to refund P1.42 billion in rentals already paid.

Notices to vacate were issued, but CJHDevCo and its subsidiaries resisted.

2016–2024: Stalemate and more cases

CJHDevCo clung to its stake in the property, filing motions to delay the turnover. The golf course, hotels, and other facilities continued operating under a legal cloud.

October 2024: SC decides

The Supreme Court upheld the arbitral ruling, making it final and executory. CJHDevCo was ordered to vacate Camp John Hay, and BCDA gained full control.

January 6, 2025: The takeover

The Baguio sheriff enforced the court order. Notices to vacate were served, and CJHDevCo’s hold on the property ended. Interim managers – Landco for the hotels and GMI-DuckWorld for the golf course – took over operations.

There are also unresolved issues such as the following:

Members vs. BCDA: Members of the Camp John Hay Golf Club filed a case against BCDA, arguing their shares issued by CJHDevCo were still valid. Of the 10 complainants, only two remain: former mayor Mauricio Domogan and lawyer Federico Mandapat Jr.

• Employee and unit owner concerns: Workers claimed CJHDevCo warned them they would lose separation benefits if they joined the new management. Unit owners decried the lack of notice and questioned the eviction process.
• Sabotage allegations: BCDA accused CJHDevCo of sabotage by removing furniture, cutting off utilities, and withholding vital operational information.

Present: A new chapter

BCDA is reviewing redevelopment plans to attract P10 billion in investments. The golf course has reopened to the public under new management, and lease agreements have been signed with local businesses, including Amare La Cucina.

The future?

With BCDA promising modernized facilities, preserved forested areas, and new opportunities for local businesses, the Camp John Hay saga appears to be entering a more optimistic phase. But as the dust settles, only time will tell if this new chapter lives up to its promise of being a win-win for all. – Rappler.com