Baguio court stops John Hay takeover

MANILA, Philippines - A Baguio City regional trial court has stopped the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) from taking over establishments, facilities and administrative offices of Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo), developer of the 247-hectare former American vacation and recreation base in the summer capital.

In a six-page order issued last Tuesday, the Baguio City RTC Branch 6 granted the initial prayer in the petition filed by CJHDevCo and issued a writ of preliminary injunction enjoining the BCDA from carrying out its order to unilaterally take control of the leased properties.

Judge Cleto Villacorta said he found sufficient basis to issue the writ to prevent “grave and irreparable injury” arising from such a takeover.

The order takes effect until the court rules on the merits of CJHDevCo’s petition.