Camp John Hay chief posts bail for P1.1-B estafa

MANILA, Philippines - Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) chairman Robert Sobrepeña posted P40,000 bail yesterday for the P1.1-billion estafa case filed against him by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

He posted bail with the sala of Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 119 Judge Pedro de Leon Gutierrez, who issued a warrant for his arrest.

The BCDA filed a case against Sobrepeña for CJHDevCo’s alleged nonpayment of P1.1 billion in rent to the BCDA.

According to reports, while the case covers only P1.1 billion, CJHDevCo reportedly owes BCDA at least P3.4 billion for the lease of 247 hectares in the John Hay Special Economic Zone that includes the Manor, the Camp John Hay Suites and the golf course.

CJHDevCo spokesman Manuel Ubarra said Sobrepeña is ready to fight the case, which he described as “pure harassment.”

The judge set Sobrepeña’s arraignment on July 2.