The Municipal Trial Court of Baguio City – Branch 5 has dismissed criminal charges against CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo)
Chairman Robert Sobrepeña and Fil-Estate Management Inc. executive Ramon Jimenez cited the prosecution’s failure to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case, originally filed as syndicated estafa under Presidential Decree No. 1689, was downgraded by the Office of the City Prosecutor to a minor offense of “Other Deceits” under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). The downgrade followed a resolution dated 22 August 2025, which found no evidence of organized fraud or criminal intent.
During the arraignment on 11 September 2025, both Sobrepeña and Jimenez entered a plea of not guilty. The court subsequently ruled in favor of dismissal, affirming that the prosecution failed to prove the crime charged.
CJHDevCo welcomed the decision, stating: “The absence of essential elements led to the dismissal of the syndicated estafa charge, its reclassification to a lesser offense, and ultimately, the absolute dismissal of the complaint.”
This legal development reinforces CJHDevCo’s longstanding position that its transactions were lawful, transparent, and conducted in good faith.
Earlier this year, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) regained control of Camp John Hay following a Supreme Court decision that upheld a 2015 arbitral ruling. While the lease agreement with CJHDevCo was rescinded, the Arbitral Tribunal clarified that CJHDevCo retains the right to keep all benefits and monetary interests received—deemed as compensation for BCDA’s use of CJHDevCo’s rental payments over several decades.
Importantly, the arbitral ruling also recognized the validity of third-party developments within Camp John Hay, allowing them to remain in place until 2047. The Court of Appeals and subsequent Supreme Court decisions did not dispute this provision, thereby preserving the rights of investors and stakeholders.
CJHDevCo remains committed to protecting the interests of its partners and stakeholders. # Filipino News Sentinel
