John Hay Golf Club disputes BCDA’s ‘sabotage’ claim during takeover
Updated on January 28, 2025 at 2:33 p.m.
MANILA, Philippines — Camp John Hay Golf Club Inc. (CJHGCI) refuted claims from the government-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) that it was “sabotaging” BCDA’s takeover of the American military base in Baguio City.
The switching of hands came after a Supreme Court decision in December, which upheld a previous ruling that voided the John Hay development lease and evicted the Camp John Hay Development Corporation from the rest and recreation base.
READ: It’s final: BCDA regains control of John Hay
“CJHGCI reiterates its respect for the Supreme Court’s decision and the corresponding notice to vacate… The enforcement of the ruling has been implemented, and CJHGCI has fully complied with the turnover process,” the former golf club management said in a statement.
The interim management appointed by the BCDA, John Hay Golf (JHG) Management, took control of the club and its facilities on Jan. 6.
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Article continues after this advertisementHowever, the BCDA said the golf course managers did not turn over the estate’s movable properties, including tables, chairs, desks, supplies, fixtures, appliances, and golf carts.
READ: BCDA claims ‘sabotage’ during John Hay Golf Club takeover
“While these assets were not included in the turnover, CJHGCI remains open to including them in a formal turnover agreement,” CJHGCI said.
The CJHGCI made the offer under the condition “that BCDA acknowledges and respects the rights and privileges of the Club’s members as outlined in the By-laws and SEC-approved membership certificates, which remain valid until 2047.”
BCDA also stated that CJHGCI has not surrendered documents related to membership, accounting, and operations.
Additionally, BCDA reported that the water pumps used to irrigate the golf course were turned off on Jan. 7, a day after the takeover.
It also alleged a plot to remove transformers and electrical cables from the site, prompting the BCDA to seek the services of the Benguet Electric Cooperative.
CJHGCI refuted the accusation, saying, “CJHGCI’s engineering department temporarily shut off utilities until BCDA committed to assuming the costs from January 6 onward. Once clarified, utilities were immediately restored.”
It also denied “any malicious intent on the part of CJHGCI.”
Furthermore, the BCDA alleged that long-time employees of the golf course were warned that they “would not get their separation benefits if they signed with the new management.”
However, the CJHGCI said it “prioritized the welfare of its employees throughout this transition… Employee salaries were paid on Jan. 15, and the club remains committed to fulfilling its obligations until all matters are resolved.”
“CJHGCI continues to advocate for a fair and peaceful resolution that prioritizes transparency, fairness, and the collective welfare of all parties,” the former golf course management said.
When sought for comment, the new management said in a statement to INQUIRER.net on Monday: “BCDA will not and will never interfere nor question, or meddle with, your right to associate and exercise those rights within your club. Your shares are yours, your club is yours and you are free to legally do anything with it.”
“BCDA respects that. In the same way, the BCDA expects the Club and its members to respect BCDA’s rights, ownership, and possession over the golf course,” it added.
The golf club reopened as a public course on Jan. 9 with new management.