Why Bob Sobrepeña received newest spherical in Camp John Hay saga

Metropolis Prosecutor Christian Amistad factors out the case was dropped as a result of the complainants desisted — not due to a courtroom discovering on the deserves

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Municipal Trial Courtroom in Cities (MTCC) Department 5 in Baguio Metropolis not too long ago dismissed the prison case in opposition to Camp John Hay Growth Company (CJHDevCo) chairman Robert “Bob” Sobrepeña and Fil-Property Administration Integrated (FEMI) vice chairman Ramon Jimenez, after the complainants filed an affidavit of desistance and formally dropped the fees.

The case stemmed from a ₱11.2 million lodge leasehold sale involving models at The Forest Lodge in Camp John Hay. Sobrepeña and Jimenez have been indicted in August 2025 for “different deceits” beneath Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code after prosecutors discovered prima facie proof that that they had hid the rescission of CJHDevCo’s lease with the Bases Conversion and Growth Authority (BCDA) when the transaction was made.

From indictment to withdrawal

The indictment was based mostly on the criticism of spouses Monica Carla and Erwin Galang, who claimed they have been misled into buying leasehold rights to 2 Forest Lodge models legitimate till 2046 — regardless of a standing Supreme Courtroom resolution ordering CJHDevCo to vacate the leased premises and barring it from getting into new contracts.

Nevertheless, on September 5, the Galangs submitted an affidavit of desistance. The courtroom accepted their withdrawal of curiosity, and after each Sobrepeña and Jimenez pleaded not responsible, the case was dismissed on September 11.

Decide Jeanylene Isip-Fukai cited the complainants’ voluntary desistance as the only foundation for dismissal. The courtroom order famous that the non-public complainants totally understood the implications of their withdrawal, together with waiving their proper to testify or pursue associated civil actions.

Prosecution disputes on-line narrative

Following the dismissal, CJHDevCo issued a public assertion claiming the case was dismissed because of the prosecution’s “failure to show guilt past affordable doubt.” The assertion was posted on the CJHDevCo-controlled Camp John Hay Fb web page on September 11 and posted by on-line Fb information web page Balitang Northern Luzon on the identical day.

In a strongly worded manifestation submitted to the courtroom on September 12, Metropolis Prosecutor Christian Amistad stated the CJHDevCo submit was deceptive and omitted the important thing incontrovertible fact that the case was dropped as a result of the complainants desisted — not due to a courtroom discovering on the deserves.

“To the prosecution, the stated ‘submit’ or ‘story’ is solely an inaccurate narration of the occasions that transpired,” the manifestation learn, stressing that no full-blown trial passed off and that the courtroom by no means evaluated the power of the proof.

Amistad urged the courtroom to pay attention to the web submit, arguing that it had the “tendency to undermine the integrity of our justice system,” and that freedom of speech doesn’t cowl “wanton disregard of fact for functions of non-public acquire.”

Galangs: ‘Misunderstanding resolved’

Of their affidavit, the Galangs acknowledged that they had bought the Forest Lodge models instantly from FEMI, not CJHDevCo, and had since clarified that FEMI derived its rights by way of a 2008 Memorandum of Settlement between CJHDevCo, Fil-Property entities, and BCDA.

The Galangs declared that they have been now not excited about pursuing the case in opposition to Sobrepeña, Jimenez, or different CJHDevCo officers — besides for 2 people, whom they reserved the precise to sue individually.

This case was the primary prison prosecution tied to transactions performed by CJHDevCo after the Supreme Courtroom upheld BCDA’s reclamation of Camp John Hay in 2024. The choice enforced a 2015 arbitral ruling requiring CJHDevCo and all individuals claiming rights beneath it to vacate the 247-hectare property.

The Division of Justice (DOJ) earlier introduced the formation of a particular process power to analyze post-rescission transactions and different alleged irregularities involving CJHDevCo and its associates. Prosecutors had hinted that the Sobrepeña-Jimenez indictment was “just the start,” elevating expectations of additional authorized motion.

With the dismissal now formalized, it stays to be seen how the DOJ will proceed with different potential instances.

CJHDevCo’s stance

In its public assertion, CJHDevCo maintained that each one its transactions have been “lawful, clear, and performed in good religion.” It emphasised that the 2015 arbitral award allowed it to retain advantages from its decades-long lease and acknowledged the validity of third-party contracts extending till 2047.

The corporate reiterated its dedication to defending investor rights inside Camp John Hay and implied that its authorized troubles stem from “misunderstandings” fairly than wrongdoing. – Rappler.com