Phoenix Petroleum has spoken out following online discussions about the “lifetime fuel” incentive previously promised to Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz.
The conversation resurfaced after Diaz’s manager, Noel Ferrer, shared that the incentive had not continued years after the weightlifter delivered the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Photo: Hidilyn Diaz/Facebook
In a statement, Phoenix Petroleum shared its support for Diaz began even before her historic win.
“Phoenix Petroleum has always held our athletes in the highest regard, and remains proud to have supported them through the years,” they said.
According to the company, it helped organize donation drives for the athlete in 2018 and provided financial assistance while she was still working toward an Olympic medal.
After Diaz secured gold in Tokyo, Phoenix said it awarded her a ₱5-million cash donation along with fuel allocations.
“As the sole gold medalist, Diaz was awarded with the ‘free fuel for life’ donation, while the rest enjoyed their respective allocations for a limited time,” Phoenix Petroleum said.
The company also extended cash incentives to other Filipino medalists: silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio received ₱3 million each, while bronze medalist Eumir Marcial received ₱1 million.
Phoenix also shared that Diaz was able to receive her second year of fuel support in March 2022. However, the arrangement changed after the Olympic champion entered into a partnership with a different petroleum brand.
“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.
The company explained that this development ultimately affected the continuation of the fuel incentive.
“As circumstances changed and Ms. Diaz engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms,” the company added.
Despite the situation, Phoenix emphasized that it continues to hold Diaz in high regard and maintains its respect for the athlete.
Hidilyn’s manager reacts to explanation on “fuel incentive”
Hidilyn Diaz’s manager Noel Ferrer clarified that conditions related to brand alignment were not part of their original understanding when the incentive was first announced.
Ferrer said their camp was surprised when the issue of brand alignment was raised around two years after the reward had already been given.
View this post on Instagram
“Importantly, no conditions or restrictions were communicated to us at the time the reward was given. It was only around two years later that conditions relating to brand alignment were raised,” Ferrer said.
“This came as a surprise to us, as such conditions were not part of the original understanding when the reward was publicly announced and initially provided,” he added.
Ferrer also said that Phoenix Petroleum did not communicate any condition that would prevent Diaz from partnering with other petroleum companies after receiving the incentive.
“There was also no agreement or condition communicated that would prevent Hidilyn from entering into partnerships with other petroleum companies,” he said.
Ferrer stated that Diaz remains grateful for the support she received from the company.
“That said, Hidilyn remains grateful for the support she has received over the years. Phoenix Petroleum decided not to continue the fuel benefit, and we respect their decision,” he added.
ALSO READ: What Happened to Hidilyn Diaz’s Free Gas Incentive? Here’s What Her Manager Says
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
