The Japeth Aguilar Saga

[patay-butiki]

i'm sorry, but youre putting words into my mouth. A level-headed person would have interpreted my post differently and at least consider the "probability" of it being true. Theories are dismissed only if proved wrong by the truth. Have we already uncovered the truth? That's how we learn, take inputs from different perspectives and at least ask "is he on to something?". The thing is, we are all speculating here...even nardy. I have nothing against him, he may be an insider but to what degree? Again, I have nothing against nardy, you dont have to defend him. I just have an inquisitive mind that's yearning for answers. And his answers, so far, doesnt satisfy me. You may hold on to every word he says because he's an "insider", I say that's a dangerous thing to do as it robs us of objectivity.

Read again my posts regarding this Japeth saga and let me know what you think of it...pretend nardy's not here.

yes, you gave a possible scenario: noli and MVP worked behind the scene to steal japeth from BK. and yes, like other things said in this forum, it may be considered as speculation. and yes, it is right to state it so it can be validated or invalidated, as the case may be.

but how do we validate it? is it possible to have empirical proof regarding your theory? the closest possible solution is to hire nbi agents (okay, pwede na p.i.'s) to uncover the truth. but this route is obviously not feasible.

so we have to work with what data we can gather from the internet, from multimedia, and yes, from "insiders." yes, we cannot rely on these data and say with 100% confidence level that this is the truth. but we can, to a certain extent, deduce that perhaps this is the most likely scenario.

and to that, given the current set of info we have, i can say that a "level-headed" person can conclude that no, the proposition that noli and MVP worked behind the scenes to get japeth out of BK, is not probable. given the profile of noli and MVP, it is highly unlikely that they will go to such great lengths to get japeth. yes, MVP is an astute (maybe even shrewd) businessman. but for him to stake his good name just for the sake of one basketball player is just too close to impossible.

and yes, a "level-headed" person can come up with this conclusion with or without nardy.

now, what is really wrong with your post? it is because the suggestion and speculation sounded too close to being insinuations (ergo, that noli and MVP may be dirtier than we think, and that the "insider" nardy may be wrong on his take on this). ofcourse, since nardy knows noli and maybe even MVP personally, he will be personally invested in reacting to your post. so you can't really blame him if he is quick to defend noli and MVP and SBP (if indeed he did).

and why do i waste my time explaining all of these? more than defending nardy, i just want to be fair and just. i am from u.p. and i am a "Seeker of the Right." if you know what i mean?

[nardy]

Thank you, Sir Nardy, for clarifying this aspect of the Japeth Aguilar Saga.

This piece of information that you provided was vital to my understanding of this entire controversy and I wanted my analysis to be based on FACTUAL information, not on mere assumptions, obvious or not, common sense or not.

I am convinced that Japeth's big blunder was in submitting himself under the PBA Draft... not in refusing to sign the contract with BK. The circumstances surrounding this decision are, therefore, very important if we are to understand the whole thing.

If, as he now claims, Japeth's highest priority was to serve under the National team, then putting his name up for the PBA draft does not make any sense, at all; especially, if we consider that he was already offered a very attractive contract by the SBP to be part of Smart-Gilas. It is, therefore, logical to surmise that there must have been something else that constrained him to make that decision.

I submit that the emerging story would be entirely different if:

a] It was Coach Guiao, alone, who "pressured" Japeth into putting his name up for the draft, as some self-proclaimed know-it-alls would have us to believe, OR

b] Both Peter Aguilar and Ronnie Nathanielz had exerted their influence on Japeth's decision.

If it is also true, as intimated in a news report that Coach Guiao had used the PBA draft as a requisite for Japeth's inclusion in the Powerade team to Tianjin, then yet another, completely different picture will emerge... and (in my mind) will probably absolve Japeth of any wrongdoing... since that decision was made under duress, a mitigating circumstance at the very least.

Again, thank you for answering my question... one that I, specifically, addressed to you as I believe that you are among the most knowledgeable people in this forum, being an insider of the SBP.

***

His advisers that the Aguilars listened to should have been more wise than biting on that bluff that joining the draft is a means for him to become a part of POWERADE. Assuming by not joining the PBA Draft it was the reason for his non-inclusion in the Tianjin team, who would have gotten the ire from everybody .... who do you think?

I hope the PBA Board and Commisioner Sonny Barrios would soon act on the matter so that everybody could move on. If Japeth is to be banned because of a violation, then so be it. But if there is no violation of any rule, I hope they don't make a rule just now and make it retroactive as that is going to be a bad move in my opinion.

They must also clear if they ban Japeth from the PBA, would that mean that as a member of SMART GILAS he would also be barred from playing when the National Team play as a guest team in the coming PBA conference.

[nardy]

Pointing out the strings in the Japeth Aguilar puppet show

I go away for a while, and all hell breaks loose? Apparently, while I was gone, Japeth Aguilar expressed his intention to not sign with Burger King, the team that made him the top overall pick in the 2009 PBA draft, in favor of signing with the Smart Gilas Developmental Team that would compete in the 2011 Fiba-Asia championship. Curiously, Aguilar had every opportunity to sign with Smart Gilas prior to joining the draft, but instead chose to enter to the PBA anyway. In a statement, Aguilar attributed his change of heart to a desire to continue representing the country.

It’s bullshit. A little digging would allow us to connect the dots, and give us a clearer picture of what’s happening.

Dot #1: Ronnie Nathanielsz

I always found it funny that Aguilar’s father, former PBA benchwarmer Peter, entrusted the care of his son’s career to Sri Lankan sleazeball Ronnie Nathanielsz, who now acts as the young man’s agent.

Most older Filipinos remember Nathanielsz, an alien who was granted Filipino citizenship through a presidential decree by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, as Ninoy Aquino’s antagonist in a famous television appearance in a government-controlled network. Raul Pangalanan wrote of the appearance:

I still recall the panel of inquisitors trying to corner Ninoy, and distinctly remember the smirking face of Ronnie Nathanielsz (now a sports commentator) each time Ninoy would answer (and also recall the Molave residents throwing their chinelas at the TV each time the inquisitors would ask a question). Ninoy’s interview took place inside his prison building, but he answered with such vigor and aplomb that someone said, “Sa lagay na ’yan, siya ’yung nakakulong!”


But Nathanielsz reinvented himself as a sports personality, eternally playing sycophant to various influential figures. A few years ago, he became controversial after he aligned himself with boxing promoter Murad Muhammad, who was embroiled in a dispute with Manny Pacquiao. The boxing champ’s camp came out with a statement denouncing Nathanielsz’s articles, which contained quotes that the Sri Lankan made up:

In his article, Nathanielsz quoted Team Pacquiao member Roberto "Boying" Nazario as saying: [When informed about a green card for Pacquiao and US citizenship reportedly promised by Finkel, Boying Nazario asked Pacquiao, "you want to turn your back on the Philippines?" which was the same question posed by Muhammad who said 80 million Filipinos have supported Pacquiao all the way and now he is thinking of being an American.]

The San Francisco-based Nazario, son of Pacquiao's business manager Rodolfo, stated that he has not talked to Nathanielsz, when Pacquiao tried to reach him by phone for comment.

In the same article, Nathanielsz reportedly was able to talk to Pacquiao's wife Jinkee, who begged to give comments about Pacquiao's decision to switch management teams, when he took in Shelly Finkel and lawyers Nicholas Khan and Keith Davidson (and not Kenneth, as reported by Nathanielsz) Wednesday.

"I never talked to him," said Jinkee.


Nathanielsz always has an agenda, and given his track record, it would not be a stretch to imagine he’s behind the whole thing. In various statements, Nathanielsz has stated that they had not yet talked to the SBP, the country’s basketball federation that runs the Smart Gilas program. “In deference to Smart Gilas, we have not spoken to them. We wanted to speak to the PBA and Mr. Alvarez first,” Nathanielsz told Patricia Bermudez-Hizon.

Dot #2: Ricky Vargas

Oddly enough, Nathanielsz is known to be close to Talk N Text PBA governor Ricky Vargas, who also happens to be the vice-chairman of the SBP. Last year, Nathanielsz wrote a series of stories pushing for the PBA to choose ABS-CBN as its broadcast partner -- rumors abound that he was angling for a job if the giant network took over the coverage of the league -- and repeatedly quoted Vargas saying that the choice of ABS-CBN was a no-brainer. Of course, much to Nathanielsz’ chagrin, the PBA chose Solar Sports, which provided a more attractive package for the league.

Earlier this year, there were rumors of Smart Gilas possibly acquiring the Barako Bull franchise that had been struggling financially. Nathanielsz cast Vargas as the hero, even reporting that Barako Bull owner George Chua welcomed the proposal. A few days later, Nathanielsz had to backtrack as Barako Bull’s team manager Tony Chua took issue with what he had written.

To be fair, Burger King’s team manager Lito Alvarez himself said that he believes that the SBP has had no involvement in the matter, blaming the whole mess squarely on Nathanielsz.

Dot #3: Rick Olivares

Business Mirror columnist Rick Olivares broke the news of Aguilar’s refusal to sign with Burger King late Wednesday evening, shortly after Aguilar and Nathanielsz’ meeting with Alvarez. Reading between the lines of Olivares’ scoop, it becomes apparent that he learned of the event from a source apart from those who were in the meeting, noting the careful words he used in relating what happened. Furthermore, Olivares reported that Aguilar would be playing for Smart Gilas, rather than just making it his intention to do so – something that Aguilar and Nathanielsz would later deny.

I’ve mentioned Olivares a couple of times in this space. Back in May, I linked to his series of reports on the Smart Gilas campaign in the Fiba-Asia Champions Cup. Later, I took him to task for his fluff piece on Smart Gilas import CJ Giles, which left out details on the controversial college career of the former Kansas Jayhawk. Olivares is known to be close to the SBP leadership.

The initial post by Olivares on Aguilar came with this note: “Japeth has not committed to any team. There are other issues here. And no, Gilas did not meddle here.”

However, a GMA News report probably written by Rey Joble – he files reports for the site even though he is, ironically, a colleague of Nathanielsz at Manila Standard Today – said that “Aguilar was also offered a three-year deal worth P8.76 million to play for the Rajko Toroman-coached team.”

Dot #4: Noli Eala

This whole issue would be laid to rest if the SBP just decided to issue a statement on the matter. After all, the PBA is one of the biggest stakeholders in the SBP, and if they just went ahead and said that Japeth should honor his PBA commitment – Alvarez had mentioned that they would lend Aguilar to the Smart Gilas team anyway – the issue would be moot.

But SBP, and in particular its executive director Noli Eala, had been deathly silent on the matter. Eala is a shameless grandstander of the highest order, and it is very odd that he hasn’t taken this opportunity to splash himself all over the headlines.

(By the way, would anyone be surprised if it turned out that Eala wrote a love letter to Japeth a few days before the PBA draft? “I LOVE YOU FOREVER, I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS. AS LONG AS I’M LIVING MY TWEETIE YOU’LL BE!”)

Suppose that before the end of the elimination round of the ongoing UAAP tournament, Rabeh Al-Husseini suddenly decides that he was quitting the Ateneo team to join Smart Gilas instead. After all, he would rather have the opportunity to represent his country rather than just a mere school, plus he hadn’t been improving as much as he should be considering that he’s playing inferior competition in the UAAP. How do you think Eala and the SBP would react?

Al-Husseini would be back in Katipunan faster than you could say “MVP.” Why should it then be different for Aguilar and Burger King?

Posted by jaemark on August 30, 2009 at 19:33

[Cammomile]

Pointing out the strings in the Japeth Aguilar puppet show

I go away for a while, and all hell breaks loose? Apparently, while I was gone, Japeth Aguilar expressed his intention to not sign with Burger King, the team that made him the top overall pick in the 2009 PBA draft, in favor of signing with the Smart Gilas Developmental Team that would compete in the 2011 Fiba-Asia championship. Curiously, Aguilar had every opportunity to sign with Smart Gilas prior to joining the draft, but instead chose to enter to the PBA anyway. In a statement, Aguilar attributed his change of heart to a desire to continue representing the country.

It’s bullshit. A little digging would allow us to connect the dots, and give us a clearer picture of what’s happening.

Dot #1: Ronnie Nathanielsz

I always found it funny that Aguilar’s father, former PBA benchwarmer Peter, entrusted the care of his son’s career to Sri Lankan sleazeball Ronnie Nathanielsz, who now acts as the young man’s agent.

Most older Filipinos remember Nathanielsz, an alien who was granted Filipino citizenship through a presidential decree by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, as Ninoy Aquino’s antagonist in a famous television appearance in a government-controlled network. Raul Pangalanan wrote of the appearance:

I still recall the panel of inquisitors trying to corner Ninoy, and distinctly remember the smirking face of Ronnie Nathanielsz (now a sports commentator) each time Ninoy would answer (and also recall the Molave residents throwing their chinelas at the TV each time the inquisitors would ask a question). Ninoy’s interview took place inside his prison building, but he answered with such vigor and aplomb that someone said, “Sa lagay na ’yan, siya ’yung nakakulong!”


But Nathanielsz reinvented himself as a sports personality, eternally playing sycophant to various influential figures. A few years ago, he became controversial after he aligned himself with boxing promoter Murad Muhammad, who was embroiled in a dispute with Manny Pacquiao. The boxing champ’s camp came out with a statement denouncing Nathanielsz’s articles, which contained quotes that the Sri Lankan made up:

In his article, Nathanielsz quoted Team Pacquiao member Roberto "Boying" Nazario as saying: [When informed about a green card for Pacquiao and US citizenship reportedly promised by Finkel, Boying Nazario asked Pacquiao, "you want to turn your back on the Philippines?" which was the same question posed by Muhammad who said 80 million Filipinos have supported Pacquiao all the way and now he is thinking of being an American.]

The San Francisco-based Nazario, son of Pacquiao's business manager Rodolfo, stated that he has not talked to Nathanielsz, when Pacquiao tried to reach him by phone for comment.

In the same article, Nathanielsz reportedly was able to talk to Pacquiao's wife Jinkee, who begged to give comments about Pacquiao's decision to switch management teams, when he took in Shelly Finkel and lawyers Nicholas Khan and Keith Davidson (and not Kenneth, as reported by Nathanielsz) Wednesday.

"I never talked to him," said Jinkee.


Nathanielsz always has an agenda, and given his track record, it would not be a stretch to imagine he’s behind the whole thing. In various statements, Nathanielsz has stated that they had not yet talked to the SBP, the country’s basketball federation that runs the Smart Gilas program. “In deference to Smart Gilas, we have not spoken to them. We wanted to speak to the PBA and Mr. Alvarez first,” Nathanielsz told Patricia Bermudez-Hizon.

Dot #2: Ricky Vargas

Oddly enough, Nathanielsz is known to be close to Talk N Text PBA governor Ricky Vargas, who also happens to be the vice-chairman of the SBP. Last year, Nathanielsz wrote a series of stories pushing for the PBA to choose ABS-CBN as its broadcast partner -- rumors abound that he was angling for a job if the giant network took over the coverage of the league -- and repeatedly quoted Vargas saying that the choice of ABS-CBN was a no-brainer. Of course, much to Nathanielsz’ chagrin, the PBA chose Solar Sports, which provided a more attractive package for the league.

Earlier this year, there were rumors of Smart Gilas possibly acquiring the Barako Bull franchise that had been struggling financially. Nathanielsz cast Vargas as the hero, even reporting that Barako Bull owner George Chua welcomed the proposal. A few days later, Nathanielsz had to backtrack as Barako Bull’s team manager Tony Chua took issue with what he had written.

To be fair, Burger King’s team manager Lito Alvarez himself said that he believes that the SBP has had no involvement in the matter, blaming the whole mess squarely on Nathanielsz.

Dot #3: Rick Olivares

Business Mirror columnist Rick Olivares broke the news of Aguilar’s refusal to sign with Burger King late Wednesday evening, shortly after Aguilar and Nathanielsz’ meeting with Alvarez. Reading between the lines of Olivares’ scoop, it becomes apparent that he learned of the event from a source apart from those who were in the meeting, noting the careful words he used in relating what happened. Furthermore, Olivares reported that Aguilar would be playing for Smart Gilas, rather than just making it his intention to do so – something that Aguilar and Nathanielsz would later deny.

I’ve mentioned Olivares a couple of times in this space. Back in May, I linked to his series of reports on the Smart Gilas campaign in the Fiba-Asia Champions Cup. Later, I took him to task for his fluff piece on Smart Gilas import CJ Giles, which left out details on the controversial college career of the former Kansas Jayhawk. Olivares is known to be close to the SBP leadership.

The initial post by Olivares on Aguilar came with this note: “Japeth has not committed to any team. There are other issues here. And no, Gilas did not meddle here.”

However, a GMA News report probably written by Rey Joble – he files reports for the site even though he is, ironically, a colleague of Nathanielsz at Manila Standard Today – said that “Aguilar was also offered a three-year deal worth P8.76 million to play for the Rajko Toroman-coached team.”

Dot #4: Noli Eala

This whole issue would be laid to rest if the SBP just decided to issue a statement on the matter. After all, the PBA is one of the biggest stakeholders in the SBP, and if they just went ahead and said that Japeth should honor his PBA commitment – Alvarez had mentioned that they would lend Aguilar to the Smart Gilas team anyway – the issue would be moot.

But SBP, and in particular its executive director Noli Eala, had been deathly silent on the matter. Eala is a shameless grandstander of the highest order, and it is very odd that he hasn’t taken this opportunity to splash himself all over the headlines.

(By the way, would anyone be surprised if it turned out that Eala wrote a love letter to Japeth a few days before the PBA draft? “I LOVE YOU FOREVER, I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS. AS LONG AS I’M LIVING MY TWEETIE YOU’LL BE!”)

Suppose that before the end of the elimination round of the ongoing UAAP tournament, Rabeh Al-Husseini suddenly decides that he was quitting the Ateneo team to join Smart Gilas instead. After all, he would rather have the opportunity to represent his country rather than just a mere school, plus he hadn’t been improving as much as he should be considering that he’s playing inferior competition in the UAAP. How do you think Eala and the SBP would react?

Al-Husseini would be back in Katipunan faster than you could say “MVP.” Why should it then be different for Aguilar and Burger King?

Posted by jaemark on August 30, 2009 at 19:33

see i was correct with his nickname Japeth "the puppeth" aguilar..good read

[lovejones]

Pointing out the strings in the Japeth Aguilar puppet show

I go away for a while, and all hell breaks loose? Apparently, while I was gone, Japeth Aguilar expressed his intention to not sign with Burger King, the team that made him the top overall pick in the 2009 PBA draft, in favor of signing with the Smart Gilas Developmental Team that would compete in the 2011 Fiba-Asia championship. Curiously, Aguilar had every opportunity to sign with Smart Gilas prior to joining the draft, but instead chose to enter to the PBA anyway. In a statement, Aguilar attributed his change of heart to a desire to continue representing the country.

It’s bullshit. A little digging would allow us to connect the dots, and give us a clearer picture of what’s happening.

Dot #1: Ronnie Nathanielsz

I always found it funny that Aguilar’s father, former PBA benchwarmer Peter, entrusted the care of his son’s career to Sri Lankan sleazeball Ronnie Nathanielsz, who now acts as the young man’s agent.

Most older Filipinos remember Nathanielsz, an alien who was granted Filipino citizenship through a presidential decree by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, as Ninoy Aquino’s antagonist in a famous television appearance in a government-controlled network. Raul Pangalanan wrote of the appearance:

I still recall the panel of inquisitors trying to corner Ninoy, and distinctly remember the smirking face of Ronnie Nathanielsz (now a sports commentator) each time Ninoy would answer (and also recall the Molave residents throwing their chinelas at the TV each time the inquisitors would ask a question). Ninoy’s interview took place inside his prison building, but he answered with such vigor and aplomb that someone said, “Sa lagay na ’yan, siya ’yung nakakulong!”


But Nathanielsz reinvented himself as a sports personality, eternally playing sycophant to various influential figures. A few years ago, he became controversial after he aligned himself with boxing promoter Murad Muhammad, who was embroiled in a dispute with Manny Pacquiao. The boxing champ’s camp came out with a statement denouncing Nathanielsz’s articles, which contained quotes that the Sri Lankan made up:

In his article, Nathanielsz quoted Team Pacquiao member Roberto "Boying" Nazario as saying: [When informed about a green card for Pacquiao and US citizenship reportedly promised by Finkel, Boying Nazario asked Pacquiao, "you want to turn your back on the Philippines?" which was the same question posed by Muhammad who said 80 million Filipinos have supported Pacquiao all the way and now he is thinking of being an American.]

The San Francisco-based Nazario, son of Pacquiao's business manager Rodolfo, stated that he has not talked to Nathanielsz, when Pacquiao tried to reach him by phone for comment.

In the same article, Nathanielsz reportedly was able to talk to Pacquiao's wife Jinkee, who begged to give comments about Pacquiao's decision to switch management teams, when he took in Shelly Finkel and lawyers Nicholas Khan and Keith Davidson (and not Kenneth, as reported by Nathanielsz) Wednesday.

"I never talked to him," said Jinkee.


Nathanielsz always has an agenda, and given his track record, it would not be a stretch to imagine he’s behind the whole thing. In various statements, Nathanielsz has stated that they had not yet talked to the SBP, the country’s basketball federation that runs the Smart Gilas program. “In deference to Smart Gilas, we have not spoken to them. We wanted to speak to the PBA and Mr. Alvarez first,” Nathanielsz told Patricia Bermudez-Hizon.

Dot #2: Ricky Vargas

Oddly enough, Nathanielsz is known to be close to Talk N Text PBA governor Ricky Vargas, who also happens to be the vice-chairman of the SBP. Last year, Nathanielsz wrote a series of stories pushing for the PBA to choose ABS-CBN as its broadcast partner -- rumors abound that he was angling for a job if the giant network took over the coverage of the league -- and repeatedly quoted Vargas saying that the choice of ABS-CBN was a no-brainer. Of course, much to Nathanielsz’ chagrin, the PBA chose Solar Sports, which provided a more attractive package for the league.

Earlier this year, there were rumors of Smart Gilas possibly acquiring the Barako Bull franchise that had been struggling financially. Nathanielsz cast Vargas as the hero, even reporting that Barako Bull owner George Chua welcomed the proposal. A few days later, Nathanielsz had to backtrack as Barako Bull’s team manager Tony Chua took issue with what he had written.

To be fair, Burger King’s team manager Lito Alvarez himself said that he believes that the SBP has had no involvement in the matter, blaming the whole mess squarely on Nathanielsz.

Dot #3: Rick Olivares

Business Mirror columnist Rick Olivares broke the news of Aguilar’s refusal to sign with Burger King late Wednesday evening, shortly after Aguilar and Nathanielsz’ meeting with Alvarez. Reading between the lines of Olivares’ scoop, it becomes apparent that he learned of the event from a source apart from those who were in the meeting, noting the careful words he used in relating what happened. Furthermore, Olivares reported that Aguilar would be playing for Smart Gilas, rather than just making it his intention to do so – something that Aguilar and Nathanielsz would later deny.

I’ve mentioned Olivares a couple of times in this space. Back in May, I linked to his series of reports on the Smart Gilas campaign in the Fiba-Asia Champions Cup. Later, I took him to task for his fluff piece on Smart Gilas import CJ Giles, which left out details on the controversial college career of the former Kansas Jayhawk. Olivares is known to be close to the SBP leadership.

The initial post by Olivares on Aguilar came with this note: “Japeth has not committed to any team. There are other issues here. And no, Gilas did not meddle here.”

However, a GMA News report probably written by Rey Joble – he files reports for the site even though he is, ironically, a colleague of Nathanielsz at Manila Standard Today – said that “Aguilar was also offered a three-year deal worth P8.76 million to play for the Rajko Toroman-coached team.”

Dot #4: Noli Eala

This whole issue would be laid to rest if the SBP just decided to issue a statement on the matter. After all, the PBA is one of the biggest stakeholders in the SBP, and if they just went ahead and said that Japeth should honor his PBA commitment – Alvarez had mentioned that they would lend Aguilar to the Smart Gilas team anyway – the issue would be moot.

But SBP, and in particular its executive director Noli Eala, had been deathly silent on the matter. Eala is a shameless grandstander of the highest order, and it is very odd that he hasn’t taken this opportunity to splash himself all over the headlines.

(By the way, would anyone be surprised if it turned out that Eala wrote a love letter to Japeth a few days before the PBA draft? “I LOVE YOU FOREVER, I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS. AS LONG AS I’M LIVING MY TWEETIE YOU’LL BE!”)

Suppose that before the end of the elimination round of the ongoing UAAP tournament, Rabeh Al-Husseini suddenly decides that he was quitting the Ateneo team to join Smart Gilas instead. After all, he would rather have the opportunity to represent his country rather than just a mere school, plus he hadn’t been improving as much as he should be considering that he’s playing inferior competition in the UAAP. How do you think Eala and the SBP would react?

Al-Husseini would be back in Katipunan faster than you could say “MVP.” Why should it then be different for Aguilar and Burger King?

Posted by jaemark on August 30, 2009 at 19:33

who the heck wrote this? quinito? nardy? or a blogger named jaemark?

[patay-butiki]

^^^

well, firequinito does know his reporters. i'll give him that. but i just don't get the analogy with rabeh/ateneo. it's like comparing apples with oranges.

and the problem with blogs (unlike regular sports columns) is that you can hurl accusations and jump to outlandish conclusions and pass them off as facts.

[patay-butiki]

minimum 2 years to life. wow!!!

Japeth could sit out of PBA for 2 years

MANILA – While reports have said that 2009 No. 1 draft pick Japeth Aguilar could be facing a lifetime ban from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the least he could get is a two-year ban for refusing to sign his contract with Burger King.

Aguilar’s reason for his change of mind is his desire to play for the RP Smart Gilas team that plans to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London.

PBA Board member JB Baylon, the Coca-Cola Tigers representative, revealed that the lifetime ban on Aguilar is not yet the board’s final decision.

“Mag-uusap ang PBA board,” he said in an interview on ABS-CBN’s “Umagang Kay Ganda.”

He shared that according to their legal counsel, a player who was drafted and then backs out after being drafted could sit out of the league for two years.

“After two years, puwede muling sumali sa draft,” noted Baylon.

Although he added that under PBA rules, the commissioner has the right to impose stiffer penalties, if that is what he wants.

As for him, Baylon said he is “personally not inclined to vote for the lifetime ban.” But if there would be a decision to make Aguilar sit out for two years, he said, “I think I would have to uphold that.”

Aguilar and his adviser Ronnie Nathanielsz have been contacted by ABS-CBN News to air their side. But they declined to comment on the matter.

Baylon said he just hopes that both sides are communicating before Aguilar decides on his basketball career.

Playing time

Baylon, who is the team manager of the Powerade-Team Pilipinas, also countered reports which said that Aguilar moved to Smart Gilas because he did not have enough playing time in Powerade during the recently-concluded FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

“Di naman siya bangko,” he remarked, adding that Aguilar could not have been chosen to play in the game against Jordan probably because Coach Yeng Guaio needed more experienced players like Asi Taulava and Mick Pennisi.

Baylon added that Aguilar also got sick in Tianjin, China that is why he was not able to play in all the RP team’s games.

As for talks that Aguilar had little playing time, Baylon said that is “relative,” citing that the No. 1 PBA draft pick played with James Yap, Cyrus Baguio and Arwind Santos.

“Pero si Japeth lang nag-claim ng ganun,” he said.

Maximum salary

“Japeth was also special to me,” added the Powerade-Team Pilipinas manager.

But he pointed out that the issue is that the first-round draft pick backed out of playing for the team that chose him.

“Sa kahit anong koponan sa PBA, mahalaga yun,” he said of the No. 1 pick as he would be the “most valuable player” who will enter the team.

“Kunyari ikaw, sabi mo gusto mo ma-draft at ikaw yung pinag-aawayan ng mga koponan. Yung team na kukuha [sa iyo] yung kaniyang future ay i-bi-build around you.”

He continued: “Tapos biglang aatras ka, masakit yun sa team na pumili sa iyo kasi they could have chosen somebody else. Pero you offered yourself eh.”

Baylon also said that Aguilar cannot use his intention to play for Smart Gilas as his reason for giving up his slot in the PBA.

“Sinasabi ng Burger King payag naman kami sumama ka sa amin, maximum salary babayaran, papayagan ka namin sa national team,” he noted.

Aside from the fact that Burger King has allowed Aguilar to play for the national team, Baylon also mentioned that the team was going to give Aguilar his maximum salary.

He said that Aguilar, as the No. 1 draft pick, would get P150,000 a month for the first year with a 50 percent increase until third year. Aguilar’s contract with Burger King was pegged at P8.7 million.

“Beyond that, [it’s] illegal. Binibigay ng Burger King ang maximum na puwedeng ibigay,” he stressed.

Future of PBA

Baylon even mentioned in the interview that Aguilar would have been “one of the most important big men” in the PBA.

“Si Japeth, isa sa future ng PBA,” he said of the son of former PBA player Peter Aguilar.

Baylon, however, reiterated: “Pero future.” He said it would take Aguilar two or three more years “to get there” because he is fresh out of college.

Meanwhile, when asked about who is to blame on the matter, Baylon said the problem goes beyond Japeth.

“Ang feeling ko kasi dito, ang daming issues kasi maraming personalities. Alam mo naman ang basketball sa Pilipinas, just like many other sports bodies.”

“Worry ko dito pumapasok ang personal issues ng ibang mga tao beyond Japeth mismo,” he added.

as of 08/31/2009 4:03 PM

[KevinDurant]

Baylon even mentioned in the interview that Aguilar would have been “one of the most important big men” in the PBA.

I think Japeth would rather be one of the most important big men of the Philippine Team.

“Ang feeling ko kasi dito, ang daming issues kasi maraming personalities. Alam mo naman ang basketball sa Pilipinas, just like many other sports bodies.”

The very reason why Phil. bball has been deteriorating for some years now.

“Sinasabi ng Burger King payag naman kami sumama ka sa amin, maximum salary babayaran, papayagan ka namin sa national team,” he noted.

This wasn't a sure thing. It is up to the PBA Board.

He shared that according to their legal counsel, a player who was drafted and then backs out after being drafted could sit out of the league for two years.

Ok, so Nathanielsz was right. The lifetime ban was just a bluff..

[nardy]

who the heck wrote this? quinito? nardy? or a blogger named jaemark?

it's a blogger using the name jaemark who was greatly dismayed on how Quinito Henson writes his stories hehehe

http://firequinito.com/

just got to share this so that everybody get's to see different perspectives.

[neo]

'Tan..a. Kaya pala.'

The Sri Lankan was probably telling them, "Hey, I've been here a long time, I know a lot people in the business, blah-blah-blah ....."

This whole incident is a disaster. And the kid and the family now will have to suffer for it.

Of course, nothing is final yet until the board lowers the boom, and one wonders what magic the Sri Lankan can pull out of his hat.

This incident is a mistake. Will Nathanielsz now somehow salvage the situation, or would it result in a terrible ban for Japeth Aguilar?

The risk is too great for the Aguilar family. They should swallow their pride, and resume talks with BK. They have the whole day tomorow to do that.

Nardy,

my understanding is that u were referring to ronnie when you said "ex-sri lankan"?

[nardy]

it would really be difficult for the PBA to enforce a life-time ban as Philippine Laws are actually more Pro-Labor.

"Section 1, Article III, of the Constitution states that no person shall be deprived of property without due process of law. Protected property includes the right to work and the right to earn a living."

According to a Supreme Court decision it said:

"A profession, trade or calling is a property right within the meaning of our constitutional guarantees. One cannot be deprived of the right to work and the right to make a living because these rights are property rights, the arbitrary and unwarranted deprivation of which normally constitutes an actionable wrong."

It was further emphasized that

"The right to work and the right to earn a living necessarily includes the right to bargain for better terms in an employment contract and the right to enforce those terms. If protected property does not include these rights, then the right to work and the right to earn a living would become empty civil liberties — the State can deprive persons of their right to work and their right to earn a living by depriving them of the right to negotiate for better terms and the right to enforce those terms.

The right to property is not absolute — the prohibition against deprivation of property is qualified by the phrase “without due process of law.” Thus, the State may deprive persons of property through the exercise of police power. However, the deprivation must be done with due process. Substantive due process requires that the means employed in depriving persons of property must not be unduly oppressive."

Then in Article 12 of Book I of the Labor Code of the Philippines, it includes the following:

" .... To protect every citizen desiring to work locally or overseas by securing for him the best possible terms and conditions of employment;

.... ..To facilitate a free choice of available employment by persons seeking work in conformity with the national interest;"

[nardy]

Nardy,

my understanding is that u were referring to ronnie when you said "ex-sri lankan"?

yup Ronnie Nathanielz .... but I now think that should have been ex-ceylonese as sri lanka was called ceylon that time he was still not a Filipino Citizen

[lovejones]

it would really be difficult for the PBA to enforce a life-time ban as Philippine Laws are actually more Pro-Labor.

"Section 1, Article III, of the Constitution states that no person shall be deprived of property without due process of law. Protected property includes the right to work and the right to earn a living."

According to a Supreme Court decision it said:

"A profession, trade or calling is a property right within the meaning of our constitutional guarantees. One cannot be deprived of the right to work and the right to make a living because these rights are property rights, the arbitrary and unwarranted deprivation of which normally constitutes an actionable wrong."

It was further emphasized that

"The right to work and the right to earn a living necessarily includes the right to bargain for better terms in an employment contract and the right to enforce those terms. If protected property does not include these rights, then the right to work and the right to earn a living would become empty civil liberties — the State can deprive persons of their right to work and their right to earn a living by depriving them of the right to negotiate for better terms and the right to enforce those terms.

The right to property is not absolute — the prohibition against deprivation of property is qualified by the phrase “without due process of law.” Thus, the State may deprive persons of property through the exercise of police power. However, the deprivation must be done with due process. Substantive due process requires that the means employed in depriving persons of property must not be unduly oppressive"

In other words, Japeth (who did not sign any binding contract) cannot be banned from playing in the PBA because it is against the laws of the land.

I guess that settles it.

[neo]

In other words, Japeth (who did not sign any binding contract) cannot be banned from playing in the PBA because it is against the laws of the land.

I guess that settles it.

i think he can still be banned.he will have the right to work, but not with the pba.being banned for life is a lesser issue here because it can always be lifted and if happens im certain it would be lifted anyway. the issue is if he's banned, would sbp sign him with gilas?if that happens it's close to certainty that feud between sbp and pba may lit up.

[Big Ticket]

natanielsz is making his retaliation to the PBA after powerade massacred his dear homeland last FIBA-Asia...

[saints13]

wow..seems like that Firequinito article is really against Mr. Ronnie...hehehehe. bugbugin na yan lolz

[nardy]

natanielsz is making his retaliation to the PBA after powerade massacred his dear homeland last FIBA-Asia...

hahaha that's a nice one

[nardy]

i think he can still be banned.he will have the right to work, but not with the pba.being banned for life is a lesser issue here because it can always be lifted and if happens im certain it would be lifted anyway. the issue is if he's banned, would sbp sign him with gilas?if that happens it's close to certainty that feud between sbp and pba may lit up.

but for a feud to happen, Lito Alvarez should get the majority if not the whole PBA Board by Burger King's side, let's see if that does happen. But I think since MVP is also a partner at Burger King that would be difficult since there have been a number of times when they were in financial problems they would run to MVP for assistance. When all the emotions had died down, everything I think would settle down at its proper place and I do not think a feud between the SBP and PBA would materialize. What I see is that Japeth should be always be careful whenever his team plays against a team of Yeng Guiao

[nardy]

I want to share a post of TJ Manotoc at his Facebook Account:

"if the info i got was correct, for him to play w/ Powerade, it was requirement for him to join the draft, that was the only way he'd be considered as a PBA player. remember its an all-PBA team."

I hope the PBA would come out and explain if such a condition was indeed officially said to Japeth. This would change the complexion of this story as such a pre-requisite should have not been given in the first place. Then who was the PBA official who said it?

[ma4ma]

Aguilar willing to let go of PBA dream just to play for Gilas


Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) top rookie draftee Japeth Aguilar is willing to let go of his PBA dream just so he can fulfill a cherished stint with the Smart-Gilas national team.

With a possible lifetime ban in the PBA staring him at the face, the 6’9 forward would devote his time representing the all-amateur RP team handled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.

The former Western Kentucky University player faced the media for the first time since his controversial decision to turn his back on the PBA and Burger King, the team which made him this season’s top overall pick.

“I cannot do anything if the PBA decides to ban me for life, what can I do?" Aguilar said during a press conference on Monday.

“But I want to play for my country and as long as I’m needed, I will play for the Smart Gilas team."

Aguilar, who played both for the Smart Gilas team and the PBA-backed Powerade Team Pilipinas in two major tournaments this year, prefers playing for Toroman’s squad, saying he has learned more from the team.

He even picked Toroman’s squad as the better team.

“We’re a small team, but that’s a team that hustles a lot," said Aguilar. “We were able to beat a team composed of bigger players in the US."

Breach of contract?

But as the PBA controversy rages, a new problem looms for Aguilar.

The group of Dondon Monteverde, who also handles several big-time players in the pro league, including James Yap and Arwind Santos, is reportedly set to file a case against Aguilar and his camp for breach of contract.

A highly-placed source told GMANews.TV that the former Ateneo stalwart has an existing contract with Monteverde’s group.

“As early as his Ateneo days, he signed a contract with Monteverde’s group," said the source, who requested anonymity. “Their agreement was that they will pursue the contract since bawal sa US ang may agent kapag college player."

Aguilar has a new agent in veteran newsman Ronnie Nathanielsz, who recently sought for accreditation in the PBA as a player agent.

“Japeth didn’t communicate with us after his stint in Tianjin (site of the FIBA Asia championship). He declined to meet and talk to Dondon," said the same source. “Before, he claimed that Nathanielsz was just a guardian, but Dondon’s group was informed that he’s (Nathanielsz) also negotiating for the contract of Japeth with Burger King." - GMANews.TV