BCDA lauds final SC ruling on John Hay Special Econ Zone’s return to government

Art dumlao — December 13, 2024

BCDA lauds final SC ruling on John Hay Special Econ Zone’s return to government

BAGUIO CITY (December 12, 2024) -- The State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling to “deny with finality” all motions for reconsideration by private developer CJH Development Corporation (CJH DevCo) and its third-party respondents, upholding its April 2024 decision allowing the government through BCDA to recover the 247-hectare property in the John Hay Special Economic Zone here.

 

The Supreme Court En Banc in its ruling dated October 22, 2024 and recently released said it has ‘denied with finality’ CJHDevCo’s motions for reconsideration “as no substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the questioned decision”. The High Tribunal also said it will no longer entertain further pleadings or motions.

 

The Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court on October 22, 2024 issued an Entry of Judgment certifying that the Decision dated April 3, 2024, has been filed and recorded with the Judicial Records Office.

 

Such decision granted BCDA’s Petition for Review on Certioriari and REVERSED AND SET ASIDE the July 30, 2015 Decision of the Court of Appeals. 

 

The Supreme Court further ruled that “(t)he March 27, 2015 Order of Branch 6, Regional Trial Court of Baguio City in Civil Case No. 7561-R, confirming the Final Award dated February 11, 2015, in PDRCI Case No. 60-2012 is “REINSTATED”.

 

The April 14, 2015 Writ of Execution and the Ex-Officio Sheriff’s Notice to Vacate are likewise “REINSTATED”, said the High Tribunal.

 

The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision affirms the 2015 arbitral award as well as reinstates the writ of execution and notice ordering CJH DevCo and all persons claiming rights under them to vacate the subject leased premises within Camp John Hay. The Decision in favor of BCDA has “become final and executory” and has been “recorded in the Book of Entries of Judgments,” BCDA’s Public Affairs Department said Thursday noon.

 

BCDA however assured that businesses will continue to operate in Camp John Hay, while it is closely coordinating with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

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