Another CJH Golf Club member withdraws case, BCDA urges cooperation
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomes the decision of Engr. Marciano L. Garcia, a member of Camp John Hay Golf Club (CJHGC), to withdraw his case against the state-run firm, and called on the last two remaining plaintiffs to join the government’s efforts to improve the Camp John Hay golf course and cement its status as one of the best golf courses in the country. BCDA’s takeover and its efforts to improve Camp John Hay have so far been positively received by the members of CJHGC, the golfing community, Baguio residents and the general public.
Engr. Garcia has filed a motion to withdraw his case before the Baguio Regional Trial Court, following the decision of the other CJHGC members to withdraw their case and work together with the BCDA and the new interim management of the golf course. With this, the BCDA has immediately lifted the ban preventing Engr. Garcia from playing at the golf course.
“We are pleased that another golf club member is willing to support the transition to a new management in John Hay Golf. We urge the last two remaining plaintiffs to do the same and respect the government’s ownership of the golf course, as we work on improving John Hay Golf for the benefit of all” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang.
The BCDA reiterates that while it has gained possession and control over the golf course in accordance with the Arbitral Award, it will not interfere with the affairs of CJHGC. “The CJHGC members can freely exercise their rights to associate and BCDA respects that, in the same manner that BCDA expects that CJHGC and its members respect the rule of law and the government’s ownership of the John Hay Golf Course” BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes said.
Atty. Paredes added that the BCDA continues to extend its offer of peace and remains open to discuss and address any concerns of CJHGC members.
“We understand the club member’s predicament, and we fully sympathize with them; hence, we are doing everything we can to soften the impact of the Arbitral Award on them. However, further litigating issues already fully raised with, and addressed by, the Supreme Court with finality, is not only counterproductive but does not serve the best interest of the CJHGC members, other golfers, employees, staff, caddies and the general public. We will be able to do more for them by working together, instead of being divided and distracted by a rehashed case which excruciatingly attempts to revive a lost one. Hence, we continue to urge Messrs. Domogan and Mandapat, to join us in this higher quest to serve others,” Atty. Paredes said.
BCDA was able to regain control of Camp John Hay, including the golf course, in line with the 22 October 2024 Supreme Court resolution, which allowed the state-run firm to recover the 247-hectare property. In accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, the implementation of the writ of execution and notice to vacate was carried on by the court sheriff on 06 January 2024.
Following the successful recovery of the John Hay Golf, a new consortium formed by Golfplus Management, Inc., the operations team behind the driving ranges in premium estates Nuvali and Alviera, and DuckWorld PH, a sports management and marketing agency, has been tapped to assist the BCDA in managing the golf estate facilities for the interim period.
BCDA and the consortium have committed to take care of the welfare of the employees, staff and caddies affected by the change in management. They will also introduce improvements to the golf course to ensure premium services and facilities to new and existing players.
“In addition to the social and recreational value, the improvement of John Hay Golf influences the local community in various ways. They drive economic growth and create jobs. All while small-scale enterprises, like local shops and restaurants in Baguio and surrounding areas, benefit from the increase in foot traffic,” Engr. Bingcang pointed out. (PR)
