MANILA -- The “Japeth issue” is now resolved.

Japeth Aguilar has been prevailed upon to sign up with the Burger King (BK) Whoppers after Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Manny V. Pangilinan intervened to solve the conflict between the 6’10” former Ateneo standout and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

"Words of wisdom from Mr. MVP were needed for the Aguilars to realize that they have to settle their problem with Burger King," said BK top honcho and PBA Chairman Lito Alvarez in a report posted on PBA.ph.

"We talked to Japeth, his agent Ronnie Nathanielsz, his sister and an aunt for hours and nothing happened. I'm grateful to Mr. MVP he intervened. He showed his sincerity, he really wanted to help," Alvarez added.

The PBA chairman said Pangilinan, who co-owned Burger King, talked to Japeth's US-based father Peter in an overseas call and convinced the family to reconsider its decision that Japeth back out of his deal to play for Burger King.

“He settled for a one-year contract. It’s a done deal. We’ll discuss the other details tomorrow (Saturday),” said Alvarez.

Aguilar’s decision to reconsider and settle for a one-year pact could mean he would seek to be traded after a year’s stay with the Whoppers.

“It’s not that important. It can be resolved. The important thing really is that he’s signing up with us. With that, the PBA draft rules are not ‘bastardized,'” said Alvarez.

Alvarez’s original offer for the former Western Kentucky U player was a three-year pact involving the maximum amount allowed in the league.

Before the telephone conversation between the telecoms tycoon and the elder Aguilar, Aguilar’s camp was already decided on abandoning Burger King so he can play for the Smart-Gilas team.

The Smart-Gilas team, which is preparing to compete in the 2011 Fiba Asia championship, is also funded by Pangilinan.

Now that Japeth has agreed to sign with the Whoppers, Alvarez said the 6’10” No. 1 pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft will play in the Burger King-Purefoods game when the 35th PBA Season opens on Sunday.

"It's designed to be a battle featuring the first two picks. It will materialize," said Alvarez. The game will be marked by the pro debuts of Aguilar and second pick Rico Maierhoffer of the TJ Giants. With a report from the Philippine Star