BCDA to push payment of P3-billion rent arrears

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) last week said it would pursue with even more vigor its efforts to collect more than P3 billion in rental arrears from the Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo), which it added “cannot hide behind a wall of suits” in its alleged attempt to evade its financial obligations.

BCDA’s statement came after the CJHDevCo filed a complaint against the BCDA board of directors for violations of Republic Act 3019, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the Civil Service Law before the Office of the Ombudsman last week.

It was the fourth complaint filed against BCDA officials in the last four weeks.

“In light of the ardent and determined pursuit of BCDA to enforce the government’s rights over Camp John Hay, (it) questions the motive, timing, and frequency by which numerous cases are being filed against its board of directors,” BCDA president and chief executive officer ArnelPaciano Casanova said in a statement.

The BCDA, according to Casanova, “remains steadfast in its goal of collecting the P3-billion indebtedness of CJHDevCo to the Philippine government which is for use in development projects that will benefit the City of Baguio and the Filipino people. Out of the total amount, a guaranteed P750 million will go to the City of Baguio.”

“No amount of diversionary or dilatory tactics could throw us off the track,” he added.