Banned from Camp John Hay: Ex-mayor and allies face golf course dispute
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has maintained a ban on three individuals who filed a complaint against the government's takeover of the Camp John Hay Golf Course. The three, including former Baguio City mayor Mauricio Domogan, remain prohibited from playing at the course despite the change in management. Meanwhile, the court has yet to appoint a new permanent leader for the golf course.
The dispute began when Domogan, along with Federico Mandapat Jr. and Marciano Garcia, led a group opposing the government's takeover of the golf course. They filed a case against BCDA, which resulted in their ban from the course. BCDA, however, considers access to the golf course a privilege, not a right, and retains discretion to grant or deny access.
In a recent development, Mandapat revealed details of a conversation with BCDA chair Larry Paredes. He disclosed that general members can now play under revised terms, either by paying a monthly fee of P5,000 or an advance payment of P40,000 for six months. This change comes after BCDA recovered the 247-hectare property, including the golf course, following a Supreme Court ruling in October 2024. 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.
While Domogan and Mandapat remain firm in pursuing their complaint, Garcia has decided to withdraw. The ban on the three individuals stands unless they withdraw their complaint. The court is yet to determine a new permanent leader for the golf course, with interim operations currently in place.
