Robert Sobrepeña indicted for P11.2-M Camp John Hay ‘lease scam’

This marks the first criminal filing tied to post-rescission transactions by CJHDevCo, which lost control of Camp John Hay following a Supreme Court ruling in October 2024 that upheld a 2015 arbitral award and reinstated government control

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted two former executives of the ousted Camp John Hay developer over the alleged fraudulent sale of hotel unit lease rights worth ₱11.2 million, despite the property already being under government reclamation.

Facing charges of “other deceits” under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code are Robert John L. Sobrepeña, former chairman of the Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo), and Ramon G. Jimenez, vice president of Fil-Estate Management Incorporated (FEMI) and former CJHDevCo board member.

The case, filed before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) in Baguio, stems from a complaint by spouses Monica Carla and Erwin Galang, who were sold leasehold rights to two Forest Lodge Hotel units allegedly on false claims.

What happened?

According to the information dated August 26, 2025, Sobrepeña and Jimenez sold the lease rights to Units 549 and 554 of The Forest Lodge Hotel, assuring the buyers that the units were validly leased until October 7, 2046.

The Galangs paid ₱11.2 million to FEMI, which was represented by Jimenez. Sobrepeña, who was chairman of both CJHDevCo and FEMI at the time, was allegedly aware that the original lease between CJHDevCo and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) had already been rescinded.

The panel of prosecutors found that the accused “concealed” the lease termination, and retained the payment despite formal demands to return the money. They ruled that Sobrepeña and Jimenez “knew fully well that their representations were not true.”

What did prosecutors find?

In their resolution, prosecutors Ruth Bernabe and Immanuel Awisan concluded there was prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction for “other deceits,” a bailable offense punishable by arresto mayor (one to six months in prison) and a fine not less than the amount defrauded and up to twice the value.

The resolution, approved by City Prosecutor Alfred Ganaban, noted that the sale was executed despite a Court of Appeals order prohibiting CJHDevCo from entering new contracts that could contradict the 2015 arbitral award favoring the BCDA.

“Assuming deliberate intent on the part of respondent Sobrepeña cannot be avoided with that setup,” the prosecutors wrote.

Why weren’t others charged?

While the complaint named more than two dozen individuals, including Silvestre Bello III, Gillian Akiko Thomson-Guevara, and Bobby Café, the panel dismissed charges against them for lack of specific overt acts and insufficient evidence.

The resolution emphasized that being a member of a board alone does not automatically equate to knowledge or participation in criminal activity — there must be proof of active involvement.

Also cleared were CJHDevCo, FEMI, and REALS Corporation. Prosecutors cited jurisprudence that corporations cannot be imprisoned, and that Article 318 involves penalties that include incarceration, not just fines.

Still, the panel noted the “very strong possibility” that more individuals were involved. Several John and Jane Does were included in the charge for possible indictment later, should further evidence be established.

Bigger picture: the CJH saga

This marks the first criminal filing tied to post-rescission transactions by CJHDevCo, which lost control of Camp John Hay following a Supreme Court ruling in October 2024 that upheld a 2015 arbitral award and reinstated government control.

The Supreme Court affirmed that CJHDevCo and all persons claiming rights under it must vacate the leased premises. BCDA took full control of the 247-hectare property in January 2025.

In April, the Department of Justice formed a special task force to investigate suspected fraudulent acts tied to CJHDevCo and its affiliates. Prosecutors said the Sobrepeña-Jimenez case was just the beginning, hinting at more possible indictments ahead. – Rappler.com