The dispute between Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) is not yet finished. The both camp are still waiting for the final decision of the court to resolve their problems. But in previous weeks, BCDA head Arnel Casanova made a press release declared that the court was already gave their favor to them. Hence, he ordered CJHDevCo to get off from their position in Camp John Hay because they have no rights to operate their business anymore.
Of course, the private company didn’t comply to Casanova’s order. For them, this is just a dirty tactic of the BCDA to discourage their group. But sorry to say they will not leave Camp John Hay unless the court will order it. To give their side, the developer also made a press release stating that it is not true that they are already lose with their case against BCDA.
The BCDA accused the developer for not paying right with their rental. But the CHJDevCo denied the accusation, they are doing their obligation to the government. The problem is, BCDA is not giving them the right support. Instead to help them, this agency is not giving them permit to develop the land that they are leasing. This is one of the reason why they have a battle in court.
I think, BCDA is abusing their power, they are trying to collect money bigger than what’s written in their agreement. Then, when the CHJDevCo didn’t give it to them, they were started to harras the developers. BCDA didn’t appreciate the contributions of CHJDevCo in Baguio Tourism through giving livelihood to the people. They built world hotel and other superb infrastractures in Camp John Hay. It seems that the agency wants to takeover it to make money out of it. If this is not the reason, why they want the developers to leave in Camp John Hay despite of their good job? There is humor that after they overtake Camp John Hay they will give the operation to other operation.
For sure, there is a personal interest involved here. There is a report that the BCDA didn’t remit to the city of Baguio the full amount of money that they got from the lease payment of the developer. The developer already paid 1.44 billion to the BCDA, 25 percent of it will go to the city of Baguio. But the agency just remitted 256 million to their local government.
