Phoenix Petroleum, nagsalita na sa Hidilyn Diaz “lifetime fuel” issue
- Phoenix Petroleum issued a statement addressing the resurfaced “lifetime fuel” issue involving Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz
- The company said it honored its commitments and provided the first two years of fuel donations after her historic Olympic win
- Phoenix explained that the arrangement could not continue after Diaz entered into a partnership with another petroleum brand
- The clarification came after comments from Diaz’s manager reignited public discussion about the incentive
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Phoenix Petroleum has released a detailed statement addressing the controversy surrounding the “free fuel for life” incentive previously announced for Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
Source: Instagram
The issue resurfaced online after comments from Diaz’s manager, Noel Ferrer, questioned the fulfillment of the company’s widely publicized pledge following the athlete’s historic victory at the Tokyo Olympics.
In its statement, Phoenix Petroleum emphasized its longstanding support for Filipino athletes and outlined the assistance it provided to Diaz during her journey to Olympic glory.
“Phoenix Petroleum has always held our athletes in the highest regard, and remains proud to have supported them through the years,” the company said.
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Phoenix recalled organizing donation drives as early as 2018 to support athletes striving to win the country’s first Olympic gold medal. In 2019, when Diaz was still pursuing that goal, the company responded to her call for help and provided her with a financial allowance.
After Diaz captured the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in 2021, Phoenix said it fulfilled its commitment by giving her a ₱5-million cash donation. The company also awarded ₱3 million each to silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and ₱1 million to bronze medalist Eumir Marcial.
In addition, Phoenix said it immediately provided the athletes with their first year of fuel donations.
“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,” the company explained.
According to Phoenix, Diaz received her second year of fuel support in March 2022. However, the company said that when asked if she could acknowledge the donation online, Diaz declined, explaining that she had recently signed with another petroleum company.
Phoenix claimed the athlete eventually stopped communicating with them, a decision they respected.
The company clarified that the arrangement, like many corporate donations, was subject to conditions including brand alignment. Once Diaz partnered with another fuel brand, the 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,” the statement read.
Phoenix also expressed disappointment that the issue was raised publicly by Diaz’s manager before any direct communication with the company.
“Had they reached out first, it could have been clarified privately and amicably,” it added.
The company concluded by reaffirming its respect for Diaz and all Filipino athletes.
“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.”
The statement followed remarks made by Diaz’s manager Noel Ferrer, who said the “lifetime fuel” incentive was publicly announced in 2021 without any stated conditions. Ferrer explained that Diaz received fuel assistance for only the first two years and expressed concern that promises made to athletes should be honored, especially for those who have brought pride to the country.
Hidilyn Francisco Diaz is a groundbreaking Filipino weightlifter who made history as the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist. She achieved the feat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after dominating the women’s 55-kilogram weightlifting division. Diaz is also a four-time Olympian and a silver medalist from the 2016 Rio Games. Beyond competition, she now serves as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she shares her expertise with aspiring athletes.
Recently, the issue resurfaced online as netizens discussed Diaz’s previously announced lifetime fuel incentive while global oil prices were rising. The perk had been widely reported after her Olympic victory. With fuel prices expected to increase by ₱17 to ₱24 per liter, motorists were seen lining up at gas stations in anticipation of higher costs. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin also expressed support for providing fuel subsidies to farmers, fisherfolk, and public transport drivers to help ease the burden of rising energy prices.
Previously, Hidilyn Diaz officially joined the faculty of UP Diliman after completing the Teaching Effectiveness Course earlier this year. She will teach two PE 2 weightlifting classes at the College of Human Kinetics starting in the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Diaz has said she hopes to use the opportunity to develop a structured weightlifting curriculum and share her elite experience with Filipino students.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
