Camp John Hay developer yet to pay dues to gov't

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Baguio Rep. Nicasio Aliping, Jr. called on the developer of Camp John Hay for not paying its dues to the government. 

Aliping, who led a congressional inquiry last week which was apparently snubbed by private developer Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo), stressed the need for the city to get its shares from the lease of the former American facility.

The House Committee on Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) scheduled a Congressional inquiry to hear issues amidst the ongoing multi-billion case against CJHDevCo.

The state-run BCDA charged CJHDevCo for allegedly owing government P3.4 billion in overdue lease payments in the John Hay Special Economic Zone.

At least P850 million or an equivalent of 25 percent should go to Baguio from such lease dues.

Records from government show CJHDevCo, which had acquired the lease of 247 hectares of Camp John Hay in 1996, “repeatedly defaulted on its rental obligations, despite constant demands of payment from the government and multiple restructurings of the lease agreement.

CJHDevCo’s debt reportedly swelled and prompted the government to terminate the lease agreement in 2012.

Aside from summoning CJHDevCo, Aliping also ordered the firm to submit its financial statements from 1996 to present, as well as its contracts with locators and concessionaires.

The private developer allegedly continues to collect from locators despite not paying dues to the government.