Bases Conversion v. Cjh Development Corporation

Summary

This consolidated case involves the enforcement of an arbitral award between government agency BCDA and private corporation CJH DevCo regarding a lease dispute over Camp John Hay property. The arbitral tribunal ordered mutual rescission and restitution, requiring CJH DevCo to vacate the premises and return improvements while BCDA returns paid rentals. When the trial court confirmed the award and ordered enforcement, CJH DevCo and sub-lessees challenged the enforcement through certiorari, arguing sub-lessees were not parties to arbitration. The Court of Appeals granted the petition and modified the award by imposing additional conditions on enforcement. The Supreme Court reversed the CA decision, holding that courts cannot modify arbitral awards beyond specific grounds under the Special ADR Rules, emphasizing the State policy of upholding arbitration autonomy. The Court also dismissed CJH DevCo's separate petition challenging the Commission on Audit's dismissal of its money claim, finding no grave abuse of discretion. The decision reinforces the limited scope of judicial review over arbitral awards and the finality of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.