Camp John Hay Development Corporation Clarifies Integrity

Camp John Hay Development Corporation Defends Its Role

MANILA, Philippines – The Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) has issued a firm clarification to address recent reports questioning the company’s integrity and its vital contributions to the landmark development of Camp John Hay in Baguio City. These reports, although dramatic, lack essential context and overlook the full partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in the project’s planning, management, and revenue-sharing.

From 2003 to 2012, the BCDA actively participated in CJHDevCo’s Board, influencing major decisions such as sales approvals and overseeing 50-year leasehold agreements. BCDA also appointed comptrollers tasked with monitoring sales revenues, ensuring government lease obligations were met. This arrangement made BCDA not only a stakeholder but a chief beneficiary of the project’s revenue during this time.

Committed Development Despite Challenges

Despite repeated breaches by BCDA from 1997 through 2009, CJHDevCo remained dedicated to fulfilling its development responsibilities. Under the guidance of Chairman Robert John L. Sobrepeña, the company transformed Camp John Hay into a premier tourist and real estate landmark recognized nationwide.

CJHDevCo developed two luxury hotels—The Manor and The Forest Lodge—that consistently enjoyed near-full occupancy and earned acclaim for their exceptional service. The company also upgraded the John Hay Golf Course to international standards in collaboration with Golden Bear International, the firm behind Jack Nicklaus’ golf designs. This venue has hosted prestigious events like the Fil-Am Invitational and the Corporate Cup, with over 2,000 private shareholders investing in the club.

Expanding Beyond Hospitality

Beyond leisure and hospitality, CJHDevCo built log cabins, forest lodges, and a convention center. The area attracted diverse businesses including restaurants, hotels, BPO centers, and retail shops. Notably, the 19th Tee at the Forest Lodge and the Garden Wing of The Manor became favored sites for weddings and significant celebrations.

Clarifying Lease Agreement Terms

Recent reports have also misrepresented the lease term granted to CJHDevCo. The 1996 Lease Agreement between CJHDevCo and BCDA clearly states a 25-year initial lease period, renewable for another 25 years at the lessee’s discretion—totaling a 50-year lease. This provision was expressly approved by BCDA and formed the basis for higher lease rates. In fact, BCDA itself acquired residential units and golf memberships under the same 50-year lease terms.

“The Lease Agreement’s language is clear. The 50-year lease was part of the original bid, approved by BCDA, and recognized in their own acquisitions,” said Atty. Christian Sorita, CJHDevCo’s legal counsel. “Only CJHDevCo—not BCDA—has the contractual authority to determine lease renewals.”

Sobrepeña Group’s Broader Development Impact

The company also highlighted the Sobrepeña Group’s successful track record beyond Baguio. The group managed the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), which now serves over 375,000 daily riders and saw a 5% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. MRT-3 was delivered under a 25-year Build-Lease-Transfer agreement with the Philippine government through the Department of Transportation. The Metro Rail Transit Corporation, led by the Sobrepeña Group, handled design, construction, maintenance, and operations under binding legal contracts.

Standing Firm Against Misleading Claims

CJHDevCo stressed that its history reflects fulfillment and transparency, not fraud. The development of Camp John Hay was completed in partnership with government agencies, under publicly bid contracts, and with strict revenue oversight. Attempts to rewrite this legacy through one-sided stories mislead the public and stakeholders alike.

“We welcome legitimate scrutiny but urge the public to demand facts—not speculation. We stand by our legacy, our investors, and our commitment to the Filipino people,” CJHDevCo concluded.

For more news and updates on Camp John Hay Development Corporation, visit Filipinokami.com.