BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A Regional Trial Court (RTC) here has ordered the return of a 247-hectare rented area at Camp John Hay’s Special Economic Zone to the government.
In a ruling on Jan. 3, the RTC Branch 6 directed its sheriffs to immediately serve a writ of execution and notice to vacate to developer CJH Dev. Corp., so the property it is renting could be returned to the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
“This court order means all land and improvements in the property, whether directly held by CJH DevCo, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates or occupied/held by other individuals or parties claiming rights under them, must be turned over to the BCDA immediately,” said BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang.
The office of the Baguio City Sheriff served the notice to vacate to CJH Development Corp. (CJH DevCo) yesterday, which led to the turnover of the legacy hotels to Landco Pacific.
The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Landco Pacific Corp. will handle the interim management of Camp John Hay legacy hotels to assist the government in the property’s transition to a new private partner.
In a statement yesterday, Landco Pacific said it has committed to the interim management of The Manor and Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay, including the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.
Through this move, Landco Pacific will be assisting the BCDA in transitioning the properties to a new private partner.
“This victory is a win for the Filipino people as it paves the path for exciting investments and projects that will drive socioeconomic opportunities and protects the interests of all,” Bingcang said.
To minimize service disruption in hotel operations, Landco Pacific will serve as interim operator for one year, extendable to two years.
“We are happy to assist the BCDA in this interim transition. Camp John Hay must realize its potential as a special economic zone. This is a significant first step,” Pangilinan said.
“We have assembled a highly capable team to make sure that these legacy properties are protected and enhanced as cornerstones of Baguio history and tourism. Staff and guests need not worry,” Pangilinan added.
Bingcang said the aim in the transition is to ensure the continuity of business operations and the welfare of employees at Camp John Hay.
“We welcome the support of the MVP group and we are grateful to navigate this transition with the confidence of their civic ethos and corporate muscle,” Bingcang said.
Leading the interim task force for the management transition of the hotels is Patrick Gregorio, head of Landco Lifestyle Ventures.
He said Landco has laid out a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth transition of business operations.
“Our guiding principle in this transition is ‘people first,’ continuity of operations for guests and patrons, job retention for the staff and due process for any arising concerns. These are extraordinary circumstances, but I am confident people will see our sincerity and best intentions,” Gregorio said.
Earlier in December, the Supreme Court issued a final resolution, which ordered the “immediate recovery of the property without exceptions” and to have it turned over to the BCDA.