CJHDevCo to BCDA: The Battle is Not Yet Over

           The Bases Conservation Development Authority (BCDA) claimed that they won over the case that they filed against the Camp John Hay Development Authority (CJHDevCo). After the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) declared the developer should turn over the Camp John Hay into the custody of the government. BCDA President Arnel Casanova had been rejoicing to the decision of the arbitration court without balancing the facts.

            It seems that Casanova forgot that the court dismissed their claimed that the CJHDevCo have a debt on them which cost 3.3 billion pesos for unpaid rental fee. Then, the court gave their favored to the developer when they ordered that the BCDA should return the 1.4 billion pesos that the developer paid for their rental fee to the government since 1996. So, what’s behind the logic of the raw celebration of Casanova’s group. Even they will give that amount to the developer, it will not be honored unless the Tribunal Court of Baguio would confirm the decision of the PDRCI. The CJHDevCo really knew the rule of law. Contrary to the action of Casanova who don’t know how to respect the decision of the court. There is a report that he sent a SWAT team in Camp John Hay to intmidate the private investor there.

            Well, Casanova is known for being a bully. Once, he tried to stop the inauguration of the SM Aura, a rival mall of Market Market which also located in Taguig. He was also accompanied by an armed group during that time. Of course, he did that because he is a close friend to the owners or management of Ayala Group. This company has also an interest in Camp John Hay. Maybe this is the primary reason why Casanova is pushing to take over the place.

            The reason behind the trouble in Camp John Hay is due to the arrogance and caprice of Casanova. Instead to make a harmonious relationship to the private investor, he is harassing them to vacate the place although the CJHDevCo is doing their job very well. They made a lot of changes and development in the area but the BCDA didn’t support their effort. Instead, he filed an estafa case against CJHDevCo Chairman Robert Sobrepena although he had no basis. Thank God, it was dismissed by the Pasay Regional Court.

            Casanova forgot that the BCDA was built to support the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and not to harass the developer. Under the law, the BCDA should give 50% of their earnings to the AFP. But despite of the huge profits that they have been collected since it was built, the agency didn’t give an important contribution to the AFP. Now, other lawmakers are bashing Casanova because of that issue. They are asking the BCDA President where he allocated their profits? Hmm, it seems that Casanova is cooking for something that’s why he is very eager to get Camp John Hay.