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Phoenix Petroleum addresses controversy over Hidilyn Diaz's 'lifetime fuel' incentive
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The oil company released a statement to address the rumors circulating about the allegedly unfulfilled “lifetime” fuel incentive for Tokyo 2020 Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
The issue went viral online earlier this week as Filipinos, grappling with soaring fuel prices due to Middle East tensions, recalled Hidilyn's historic 2021 incentive.
The discussion intensified after the athlete's manager, Noel Ferrer, labeled the promise as merely “drawing,” a Filipino slang for an unfulfilled plan, claiming the fuel supply lasted only two years.
The company addressed the issue immediately, asserting its long-standing history of respect and support for athletes who bring pride to the nation.
“Phoenix Petroleum has always held our athletes in the highest regard, and remains proud to have supported them through the years,” the oil company wrote in its statement.
“As early as 2018, we organized donation drives in support of our athletes' pursuit of the country's first Olympic gold medal. In 2019, when Hidilyn Diaz was still striving toward that dream, we responded to her call for support and provided her with an allowance,” they shared.
They also stated in their announcement that after the Tokyo Olympics, they gave Php 5 million to Hidilyn for clinching the gold, along with several million pesos for other winning athletes such as Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio.
“In 2021, Hidilyn, the very athlete we chose to support, fulfilled our goal of winning the first Olympic gold medal for the country. Hence, we were honored to turn over our cash donation of Php 5 million to her, Php 3 million each to silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and Php 1 million to bronze medalist Eumir Marcial. We also immediately provided them with their first year of fuel donations,” said the fuel company.
The oil company also stated that, as the gold medalist, she was the only one granted “lifetime” fuel, whereas the other winners received incentives for a limited period only.
“As the sole gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz was awarded with the 'free fuel for life' donation, while the rest enjoyed their respective allocations for a limited time,” they stated.
Outlining the timeline of their interactions, the company noted that the athlete eventually ceased communications, a decision they chose to respect at the time.
“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. She soon ceased communicating with us. We respected her decision,” they shared.
The company explained the decision, saying: “We fulfilled our commitments. As with many corporate donations, such arrangements are guided by conditions, including brand alignment. As circumstances changed and Ms. Diaz engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms.”
They also expressed confusion over the resurfacing of the issue, labeling the online criticism as “unfair” and “misleading,” especially as it comes amid rising fuel prices.
The petroleum firm expressed “puzzlement” and “disappointment” that the matter was raised publicly by Diaz's management five years later without prior private clarification.
They stated that they wished he had reached out first to clarify matters in a private and amicable manner.
“It is, therefore, puzzling that, five years later, this matter has resurfaced online amid discussions about rising fuel prices, leading to misleading narratives and unfair criticism directed at Phoenix Petroleum. Despite the support we extended in good faith, the company is being unjustly vilified,” they stated.
“We are also disappointed that this matter was raised publicly by her manager before any direct communication or clarification with us. Had they reached out first, it could have been clarified privately and amicably,” they continued.
Despite the issue, the company concluded by asserting that its respect for Hidilyn and all Filipino athletes remains "steadfast" as the nation faces current economic difficulties.
“Phoenix Petroleum remains proud of the role we played in supporting our athletes during an important chapter of their journey,” the oil company expressed.
They concluded by writing, “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.”
Related Gallery: Hidilyn Diaz's winning moments
