BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it has secured a series of favorable court rulings related to Camp John Hay, citing recent dismissals of multiple civil cases involving land claims within the John Hay Special Economic Zone.

In a statement, BCDA said the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 79 of Baguio City dismissed six cases filed by private parties, including petitions for quieting of title, recovery of possession, and a promissory estoppel case. The cases involved properties located within the former American military reservation now managed by BCDA.

BCDA said the rulings support its position following the government’s takeover of Camp John Hay and provide greater legal clarity over land administration within the zone.

“These rulings help provide stability for investors and stakeholders,” BCDA chairperson Larry Paredes said, adding that the agency believes the decisions allow it to move forward with redevelopment plans for the property.

BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang likewise said the dismissals reinforce the agency’s efforts to reposition Camp John Hay as a mixed-use development, citing models such as Bonifacio Global City and New Clark City.

Part of broader legal landscape

The dismissed cases form part of a larger set of legal disputes arising after the Supreme Court upheld the government’s reclamation of Camp John Hay in 2024, enforcing a 2015 arbitral ruling that ordered Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) and entities claiming rights under it to vacate the leased property.

Following that ruling, several civil and criminal cases were filed involving land claims and post-rescission transactions inside the estate.

Earlier this year, the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 5 in Baguio City dismissed a criminal case for “other deceits” against CJHDevCo chairman Robert John Sobrepeña and Fil-Estate Management Incorporated vice president Ramon Jimenez. The court dismissed the case after the private complainants filed an affidavit of desistance, withdrawing their interest in pursuing the charges.

In a subsequent manifestation, City Prosecutor Christian Amistad clarified that the dismissal was based solely on the complainants’ withdrawal and not on any judicial determination of the merits of the case, disputing public statements that framed the outcome as an acquittal.

The Department of Justice has since created a special task force to look into transactions conducted after the rescission of CJHDevCo’s lease, signaling that other cases related to Camp John Hay may still arise.

Updated master plan underway

BCDA said it is finalizing an updated master development plan for Camp John Hay, describing the project as a self-sustaining, mixed-use district that will integrate ecotourism, commercial activity, education, healthcare, and green infrastructure.

The agency said the plan is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is being coordinated with the Baguio City government. BCDA said the redevelopment aims to generate employment and economic activity while preserving the area’s environmental character.

City officials, however, have repeatedly raised concerns over unresolved issues related to revenue sharing, barangay segregation, and compliance with the 19 conditionalities set by the Baguio City Council in 1994, matters that the city government has said may soon be brought to court. (READ: Magalong warns of legal action vs BCDA over unmet Camp John Hay obligations)

BCDA has not yet responded to those concerns in relation to the recent court rulings. – Rappler.com