The Moral Choice in Camp John Hay: Government Must Choose Justice Over Power

Sometimes, a nation is tested not by war or calamity—but by its choices in moments of moral clarity. Today, Camp John Hay is at the heart of such a moment. And whether we uphold justice or allow betrayal to fester will define how we, as a country, treat our citizens, our investors, and our word.

Earlier this month, CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) made what can only be described as an extraordinary gesture of peace: it offered to waive its ₱1.42 billion Arbitral Award, including interest, not for profit, but in exchange for one simple condition—that the government uphold the rights of third-party homeowners and investors who trusted in the very system that now threatens to cast them aside.

Let’s be clear: these are not developers, speculators, or corporations fighting for windfalls. These are ordinary Filipino families, retirees, professionals, and even overseas investors who bought homes, condos, and golf shares under a government-approved program. They invested in Camp John Hay believing that when the government offers a contract, it will honor it. 

Instead, they now face a nightmare: padlocked homes, voided memberships, and eviction threats—all without due process, legal recourse, or basic decency.

A Dangerous Betrayal of Trust

The situation began after the Supreme Court affirmed the 2015 Arbitral Award in CJHDevCo’s favor. In compliance, the developer peacefully vacated Camp John Hay on January 7, 2025. But what followed was not a transition—it was a takeover. 

Without warning, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) began evicting homeowners and voiding the membership rights of 2,500 golf club members. Families were locked out of homes they had legally purchased. Golf shares registered with the SEC were summarily invalidated.

No notice. No court orders. No hearings.

What’s worse, these properties and memberships were developed and sold under the direct supervision of BCDA itself, through its 1996 Lease Agreement with CJHDevCo. This isn’t just a case of administrative confusion. This is the government trying to rewrite the past—and dispossess innocent people of their investments in the process.

A Compromise Rooted in Justice

Rather than retaliate or collect its ₱1.42 billion award, CJHDevCo has proposed a landmark compromise:

Waive the full award. Drop all interest claims. Walk away from the compensation it fought for and won.

In return, it asks that the government—through the Office of the President—do the right thing:

• Recognize third-party buyers and golf members as rightful stakeholders.
• Protect the integrity of contracts they entered in good faith.
• Stop the evictions. End the padlocking. Restore dignity and order.

This isn’t just a legal compromise—it’s a moral one.

What Message Are We Sending?

Make no mistake: what happens in Camp John Hay will echo beyond Baguio’s pine trees. Investors are watching. Local communities are watching. And the international business world is taking note.

Because if government-backed investments can be reversed at any time, and if legal property rights can be wiped out with no remedy, then no investor is safe. Not in Camp John Hay. Not in the Philippines.

This crisis isn’t just about one estate. It’s about our government’s word. About whether Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) still have any meaning. About whether contracts signed under one administration can be honored in the next.

The President’s Defining Moment

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has positioned his administration as forward-looking—committed to rebuilding trust, attracting investment, and strengthening the rule of law.

Now is the moment to prove it.

By directing BCDA to halt its actions, recognize third-party rights, and accept CJHDevCo’s offer, the President can send a powerful message: that in the Philippines, fairness still matters. That compassion trumps coercion. And that we do not punish those who placed their faith in the law.

Let Camp John Hay Be a Symbol of Justice, Not Betrayal

The story of Camp John Hay can still end the right way. CJHDevCo has done its part—it has stepped back and offered peace. Now the government must choose: uphold justice, or deepen the injustice.

Because what’s at stake is not just real estate—it’s reputation, integrity, and the moral soul of governance.

Let Camp John Hay be remembered not for how we failed our people—but for how we protected them, when it mattered most.