Hidilyn’s manager says 'lifetime' fuel incentive lasted only two years; Phoenix clarifies Diaz 'engaged with another fuel brand'

Hidilyn Diaz’s manager, Noel Ferrer, said that Olympic gold medalist did not receive a lifetime fuel supply as pledged following her historic win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but only fuel support for two years.
 
Back in 2021, Hidilyn won the country's first gold medal in the Olympics after conquering the women's 55-kg weightlifting event held in July 2021 at the Tokyo International Forum.

Following this, Dennis Uy-led Phoenix Petroleum, through its Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation Inc., pledged to reward Hidilyn P5 million in cash and a lifetime of free fuel. These incentives were announced in a statement and, at the time, confirmed by Siklab executive director and Phoenix Petroleum spokesperson Raymond Zorilla in a text message. 

READ MORE | Free fuel for life, P5M await Hidilyn Diaz — Phoenix Petroleum 

The fuel incentives were part of a number of pledges made by government, politicians, and businesses that included cash rewards, unlimited flights for life, a condominium, a house and lot, and more, following her historic first-ever gold medal win in the history of the Philippines in the Olympic games.

Hidilyn is once again trending online as Filipinos react to the recent surge in fuel prices in the country, which has been linked to global supply tensions and ongoing geopolitical conflicts affecting oil markets.

Amid the discussions, Ferrer recalled the promised reward in a Facebook post.

“Parang drawing naman po ang lifetime…” he wrote.

He later clarified in another post that Diaz did receive some fuel incentives, but it was not free fuel for life as previously announced.

“Phoenix Petroleum made the promise public in 2021 when Hidilyn won the country’s first ever Gold Medal in the Olympics. The lifetime fuel incentive was their announcement, their commitment—not hearsay. In the artcard/press release, there were no conditions whatsoever; it was presented purely as an incentive,” Ferrer said in another post.

“Netizens resurfaced it recently. 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. I’m not sure whose lifetime the people had in mind.”

“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. 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.”

(I hope we learn to place importance not just in the words and promises made, but also in valuing the athletes that brought honor to our country. 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.)

Phoenix statement

On Thursday, Phoenix Petroleum responded with a statement.

“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,” Phoenix said.

“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.”

“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 also said that they had supported Diaz as early as 2019, and had provided her with an allowance. They added that they remain proud of the role they played in supporting Diaz.

“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.”

Meanwhile, oil prices in the country are set to increase by P17 to P24 per liter this week, but the hike will be spread over seven days instead of being implemented in a single day, according to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

On Wednesday, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said that the Philippines' oil supply is in good shape amid the continuing tension in the Middle East.

—Carby Rose Basina/JMB, GMA Integrated News