Baguio council presses BCDA on Camp John Hay plan

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Several members of the Baguio City Council have raised alarm over the failure of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to submit the expanded Master Development Plan for Camp John Hay despite announcements of planned high-value projects within the former military reservation.

The council, through Resolution 898-2025 approved on Dec. 15, 2025 urged the BCDA to formally submit the expanded Master Development Plan for the Camp John Hay Special Economic Zone, including all supporting documents. 

Authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., the resolution emphasized the City Council’s authority to review and approve development plans within its jurisdiction to ensure alignment with the city’s land-use policies, environmental safeguards and public welfare.

The request for the development plan has also been raised during several forums with BCDA officials and representatives of Camp John Hay Management Corporation.

However, the council said no documents related to the request have been submitted to date.

The issue resurfaced as BCDA moved forward with announcements of several projects within Camp John Hay, which has been repositioned as an eco-tourism and investment hub in Baguio City.

Councilors Fred Bagbagen and Yangot expressed concern over what they described as repeated failures by BCDA to coordinate with the local government.

“Baguio is totally ignored,” the councilors said in the press statement.

Media reports indicated that BCDA is advancing plans for a John Hay Sports Center and exploring investment opportunities that include offering about 70 hectares for redevelopment and commercial leasing.

Other initiatives cited include electric vehicle shuttle services and broader revenue-generating activities within the economic zone.

Councilor Jose Molintas earlier criticized the expansion plans, saying they overlook the BCDA’s alleged failure to comply with 19 conditionalities imposed by the city government for the development of the Camp John Hay Special Economic Zone under City Council Resolution 362-1994.

In a privilege speech during the council’s Sept. 16, 2024 session, Bagbagen also questioned the lack of documented consent from the city government for the projects, citing Section 27 of the Local Government Code of the Philippines, which requires consultation with local government units.

Bagbagen said the absence of such consent could expose BCDA to legal challenges.

“He who builds, plants or sows in bad faith on the land of another, loses what is built, planted or sown without right to indemnity,” he said.

The council said it continues to seek the submission of the expanded development plan to ensure that future projects within Camp John Hay comply with local regulations and development policies.