Camp John Hay homeowners, golf club members take legal action vs BCDA
PROFIT CENTER Some 200 hectares of the 600-ha Camp John Hay have been developed into a tourism estate and a special economic zone featuring a technology hub, making it one of the most viable economic centers in Baguio City. —NEIL CLARK ONGCHANGCO
BAGUIO City – A growing legal battle is unfolding in Camp John Hay as homeowners and golf club members file multiple cases against the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), alleging unlawful seizure of properties and revocation of long-standing rights.
What began as a property management transition in January 2025 has evolved into a court-led reckoning over property rights, government accountability, and the sanctity of public-private partnerships (PPP).
As of this month:
- Eight homeowners have filed Petitions for Quieting of Title to assert their leasehold rights until 2046.
- Three more cases are expected to be filed within the week by additional homeowners.
- A class suit led by former Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and other high-profile individuals challenges BCDA’s revocation of thousands of golf club memberships.
The complainants argue that they entered into contracts and made investments in good faith under a government-sanctioned PPP agreement and are now being unjustly stripped of their rights.
READ: John Hay homeowners to sue developer
While CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) is not a party to the ongoing cases, it has publicly expressed support for the homeowners and investors. In an unprecedented move, CJHDevCo has offered to waive its ₱1.42 billion arbitral award if the government commits to recognizing and protecting the rights of third-party stakeholders.
“At stake is more than just land or club access—it’s about trust in government,” said one petitioner. “If this can happen to us, what message does that send to investors and future PPP participants?”
The outcome of these legal proceedings is likely to have lasting implications for investor confidence, governance transparency, and how the Philippines upholds contracts and property rights under its PPP framework.
