CJHDEVCO versus BCDA Who Will Win?

The Philippine Dispute Resolution Center (PRCI) ordered the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) to return to CJHDEVCO the total amount of P1,421,096,052.00 representing the rental payment made by the developer based on the lease agreement. The Baguio RTC issued last April 14, 2015 a writ of execution to implement the PDRCI decision to shell out P1.42 billion in exchange for CJHDEVCO to move out from Camp John Hay.

The PCRCI ordered the developer to vacate the place so that the government can take over. BCDA will be the operator to all the establishments built at Camp John Hay. BCDA’s dilemma is their request for demand payment of about P3.3 billion from the developer had been declared null and void by the court. The PDRCI affirmed that they can’t collect money from the developer because of violations of BCDA in their memorandum of agreement (MOA). The writ of execution’s cover letter was a 30-day “Notice to Vacate” for CJHDEVCO and ordered BCDA to return P1.42 billion in rentals paid.

This was welcome news to CJHDEVCO Robert Sobrepena who had mixed emotions. He was sad because their company needs to vacate Camp John Hay in the near future. But was happy also at the same time because he proved to the public that the accusations of BCDA that his company don’t own any debts. He made sure that they will cooperate with the government and that all their actions will be under the rule of law. Further, he said that BCDA should respect the rights and interest of locators, sub-leases and buyers who gained properties in Camp John Hay because they were all acquired legally.

Pundits expect BCDA Arnel Paciano Casanova to deposit the money in escrow with the RTC in Baguio. All refunds demanded by persons and companies who bought properties in Camp John Hay will be taken from this amount.