BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) issued a public notice on January 14, Tuesday, prohibiting a former Baguio City mayor and two others from playing at the Camp John Hay Golf Course until further notice.
The three individuals are Mauricio Domogan, Marciano Garcia, and Federico Mandapat, Jr.
Domogan, a former Baguio City mayor, previously served as an independent member of the board of governors of the former Camp John Hay Golf Club under CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo), which was then led by businessman Robert Sobrepeña. Garcia was also a member of the club, and Mandapat served as chair of its membership committee.
The three individuals were part of a group of ten shareholders of the former Camp John Hay Golf Club who filed a case against BCDA in December 2024 opposing the government’s takeover of the golf course from CJHDevCo. While the majority of the group withdrew their complaint earlier this month after BCDA assured members of fair terms and continuity of privileges, Domogan, Garcia, and Mandapat have yet to follow suit.
The BCDA’s notice emphasized that playing at the Camp John Hay Golf Course is a privilege, not a right, and that the agency retains full discretion to grant or deny access. The notice did not provide a specific reason for barring the three individuals.
Due process
Mandapat, one of the individuals barred from playing at the Camp John Hay Golf Course, has provided clarification regarding the ongoing dispute with the BCDA.
In a statement, Mandapat disclosed details of his conversation with BCDA chairperson Larry Paredes.
According to Mandapat, BCDA has agreed to allow general members to play golf under revised terms, requiring a monthly payment of P5,000 or an advance payment of P40,000 for six months.
However, the 10 complainants who filed a case against BCDA in December 2024 will remain banned unless they withdraw their complaint.
Mandapat stated, “I explained [to BCDA] that we just wanted the court to rule as to whether our shares, which were issued by the SEC [Securities and Exchange Commission] and which we bought in good faith, could be invalidated by BCDA without due process, as enshrined in the Constitution.”
Mandapat emphasized that the complaint seeks to protect the rights of members as buyers in good faith and ensure adherence to due process. He noted that the ongoing legal battle aims to clarify whether BCDA can nullify SEC-approved shares without judicial intervention.
He also shared that some complainants have opted to withdraw their case to retain access to the golf course.
“The eight who withdrew from the complaint had no other recourse as they would want to continue to play golf,” Mandapat said.
However, he and former mayor Domogan remain firm in pursuing the complaint, citing their rights under the Civil Code.
Mandapat added that Garcia, another complainant, has decided to withdraw from the case.
“[Garcia] called me this [Tuesday] morning and asked for an apology that he is constrained to withdraw so he will not be banned,” Mandapat said.
New management
This development follows BCDA’s recovery of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, including the golf course, after a Supreme Court ruling in October 2024. The ruling granted BCDA full control of the estate, upheld an arbitral decision voiding CJHDevCo’s decades-long lease, and directed the turnover of the property.
New management for the golf course commenced on January 6, 2025, with interim operations overseen by Golfplus Management Incorporated and DuckWorld PH under BCDA supervision. The transition aims to modernize facilities and enhance services for players and stakeholders.
For inquiries about playtime, rates, and reservations, patrons can contact DuckWorld PH at quack@duckworld.ph. Other concerns may be directed to the BCDA helpdesk at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or (+63) 962 534 9397. – Rappler.com