When Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medal in 2021, the weightlifter was promised free fuel benefits for a "lifetime" by an oil company.
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz's "lifetime fuel benefit" only lasted for two years, according to her manager Noel Ferrer, after the recent fuel price surge brought the promised incentive back to the limelight. The oil company though, explained that the Philippine Olympic gold medalist had engaged in a contract with a different fuel brand.
After Diaz won the country's first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, many incentives were promised—including free fuel for her lifetime, promised by local oil company Phoenix Petroleum.
With the recent conflict in the Middle East resulting in rising fuel prices, netizens have began to resurface the incentive, pointing to Diaz's luck.
But Ferrer deemed it necessary to release a statement to clarify exactly what Phoenix was able to provide for the bemedalled weightlifter.
"Hidilyn told me that she received fuel support for the first two years after her win. Thanks, but to be accurate, it wasn't for a lifetime," Ferrer said in his statement published on social media.
"I'm not sure whose lifetime the people had in mind," he added.
He further talked about how Diaz was treated once she was out of the spotlight from her Olympics win.
"Sana matuto tayong bigyan ng importansya hindi lang ang mga salita at pangakong binitiwan, kundi ang pagpapahalaga sa mga atletang naghatid ng karangalan sa bansa," he said.
"Sadly, this is also symptomatic of how we regard athletes who are no longer in the limelight—even when they continue to contribute to sports and to the country."
"May these tough times bring out the best in us—and the honesty to match public pronouncements," he added.
'Unjustly vilified'
In response, Phoenix Petroleum released an official statement on Thursday afternoon, clarifying why the said benefit was ceased.
According to the statement sent to One Sports, Phoenix Petrolum ceased the benefit because Diaz had "engaged with another fuel brand".
"In March 2022, Ms. Diaz received her second year of fuel donation from us. Upon acknowledging receipt, she was asked if she could share about the donation online, she declined, citing that she recently entered into a contract with another petroleum company," the statement read.
"She soon ceased communicating with us. We respected her decision. We fulfilled our commitments," the company added.
Phoenix said that because of the circumstance, the company was no longer able to fulfill their promised benefit towards Diaz.
"As circumstances changed and Ms. Diaz engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms," they said.
The oil company further questioned "misleading narratives" and "unfair criticism" directed at them.
"Despite the support we extended in good faith, the company is being unjustly vilified."
Phoenix also lamented the recent statement from Diaz's camp which they said was made before any direct communication or clarification with the oil company.
"Had they reached out first, it could have been clarified privately and amicably," they said.
Phoenix concluded their lengthy statement with a reaffirmation of their respect for Filipino athletes and Diaz herself.
"Phoenix Petroleum remains proud of the role we played in supporting our athletes during an important chapter of their journey. Lastly, our respect for Hidilyn Diaz, and all Filipino athletes remains steadfast, and we are one with Filipinos in enduring the current difficulties we all face."
Apart from the fuel donation, the statement also revealed other efforts for Olympians, including a P5-million cash donation outright after Diaz's gold medal win.
Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.