John Hay Golf (JHG) has issued a statement refuting claims made by former Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who was recently banned from the Camp John Hay golf estate facilities.

Domogan has been publicly accusing the Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the new management of mistreating club members and laying off workers, assertions JHG categorically denies.

According to JHG, Domogan’s statements are part of a larger campaign to discredit the transition of management at the golf estate.

JHG asserts that any disruption or “collateral damage” caused by the change in management can be traced directly to the actions of the previous management, Camp John Hay Golf Club Inc. (CJH DevCo), which resisted the enforcement of a Supreme Court ruling and attempted to sabotage the efforts of the interim management team.

Management transition underway

The official management transition began on 6 January when the Baguio sheriff served a Notice to Vacate to the previous management, marking the formal takeover of the golf estate by Golfplus Management Inc. and DuckWorld PH, collectively known as the John Hay Golf team.

Following the transition, the JHG team immediately held a general assembly with the staff to discuss concerns related to job security, separation benefits, and recruitment.

BCDA officials, including JHMC PCEO Marlo Quadra and Interim general manager VP Mark Torres, as well as representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), attended the meeting.

The JHG team emphasized their commitment to maintaining continuity in operations, offering to absorb agency workers as direct hires.

However, staff members with long service tenures reported that CJH DevCo had actively discouraged them from signing with the new management by falsely claiming that they would lose their separation benefits if they made the switch.

Disruptive tactics from former management

JHG further accuses CJH DevCo of deliberately attempting to disrupt the estate’s operations.

Despite efforts by the new management to negotiate a smooth transition, CJH DevCo removed essential furniture, equipment, and supplies from the estate, even attempting to shut off water pumps critical to the golf course’s irrigation system.

This action, John Hay Golf says, was a direct attempt to sabotage the operations of the new management.

The JHG team was also forced to deal with other disruptions, including an instance in which CJH DevCo staff confirmed tee times without informing the new management, leading to confusion and disgruntled clients.

On 11 January, Domogan allegedly confronted the front desk staff, demanding special accommodations despite not having a reservation. When his request was denied, he was subsequently banned from the golf course by the BCDA.

Commitment to the members

Despite these challenges, the BCDA and the JHG management team have made it clear that they are committed to serving the needs of the golf club’s members. The new management has allowed members to retain many of their privileges while also opening the estate to the general public for the first time.

JGH emphasizes that its focus is on ensuring a smooth and transparent transition for all stakeholders, including staff, members and the local community.

The JHG team has expressed a strong desire to cooperate with all parties involved to maintain the estate’s legacy and ensure its long-term success.