More sub-lessees of CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) have withdrawn their injunction application seeking to stop the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) from fully recovering its Camp John Hay property, after a Baguio court denied a similar application filed by other CJHDevCo sub-lessees.
On 05 February 2025, Branch 79 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied the application of several foreign nationals, asking for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, together with all improvements, to the BCDA.
Following this favorable ruling for BCDA, another group of CJHDevCo sub-lessees, who had filed a similar TRO, has now withdrawn their application.
“We understand the plight of those affected as they were deprived of their hard-earned money with false promises of owning homes and having lucrative investments. However, blaming the government, which is simply following the final ruling of the Supreme Court, would be misdirected. We encourage all stakeholders to reach out to us so we can help untangle all confusion and clarify uncertainties regarding their situation, and explore proper remedies under the law. We call on all stakeholders not to be misled by statements repeatedly issued by other parties," said BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes.
Atty. Paredes emphasized that the Supreme Court, in its final ruling, reversed the Court of Appeals ruling and upheld the arbitral award, saying that the leased property, including all new constructions and permanent improvements, must be returned to the BCDA. The Supreme Court likewise reinstated the Writ of Execution issued by Branch 6 of Baguio RTC and the Notice to Vacate issued by the court’s ex-officio sheriff insofar as persons claiming rights over improvements in Camp John Hay are concerned.
The BCDA reaffirms its pledge for a smooth and orderly transition in Camp John Hay. All stakeholders affected during this period are encouraged to reach out to the BCDA to discuss reasonable concerns within the bounds of the law. They may contact the BCDA Help Desk via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or phone via (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295.