BUSINESS AS USUAL AT CAMP JOHN HAY MANOR, FOREST LODGE

December 21, 2024 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

Business operations remain ‘normal’ at The Manor and Forest Lodge amid ongoing negotiations between Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevco) Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). In a press conference, Mon Cabrera, general manager of both hotels, which recently got a five-star accreditations from the tourism department, said a there is ‘positive outlook’ in the ongoing negotiations with CJHDevco and BCDA.

Asked about what are his prayers on the said negotiations, GM Cabrera said, he is hopeful for a smooth transition, employees will not be affected and their employment will continue. Reportedly, Joshua Bingcang, BCDA president and chief executive officer (PCEO), vowed ‘’a smooth turnover.” Cabrera said he is very positive for its 2025 budget to exceed at 10 percent as generated from occupancy and revenues.

He added that The Manor and Forest Lodge latest five-star accreditations will form part of their marketing strategy.
‘It took time and effort as it is expected by the tourism department to reach this stage, Cabrera said. In a telephone interview, Cabrera said January (2025), improvement works will commence at the 163 rooms in Manor and several rooms at the Forest Lodge. Currently, both hotels have 96 percent occupancy rate , marked by the hosting of the just
concluded annual Fil-Am golf, adding that this Holiday Season remain the peak period. It was estimated the two hotels generate hundreds of millions of revenues annually.

Earlier, Cabrera and Lawyer Federico ‘Bong’Mandapat ,their legal counsel, both recognized Supreme Court ruling, however they are not speaking for the developer (CJHDevco). Mandapat said they are aware of the ongoing
negotiations between CJHDevco and BCDA, basing from what the developer (CJHDevco) is relaying to them.
‘CJHDevco is only protecting the rights and interest of the third parties which it entered into contract of lease,’’ Mandapat said regarding the ongoing negotiations.

Mandapat hinted that they might seek a relief from the court in the event CJHDevco and BCDA negotiations fails, more so when sheriff takes over the company. He stressed that land is owned by BCDA but not the buildings referring to Manor and Forest Lodge. And said hotels are managed by CJH Leisure, and are separate and distinct.
‘You cannot just turnover a property without due process, ‘Mandapat said, pointing to Article 448 of the Civil Code. Furthermore, the council took cognizance of earlier high court rulings that ‘’ strangers of the case is not bound of the
decision.

Referring to the high court ruling, Mandapat pointed that what is rescinded is the lease contract between CJHDevco and BCDA, and the developer has to vacate (247- hectare), and to turn over the improvement it controlled and all
new improvements; and for the BCDA to return P1.42 billion to the developer it incurred during its lease period.

Primo Agatep/ABN