THE camp of Hidilyn Diaz on Friday responded to a statement released by Phoenix Petroleum, saying no conditions were set when the company rewarded the weightlifting champion a cash incentive and free fuel for life for the historic gold medal she won at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.
In a statement released on Thursday, Phoenix said it honored its commitment to provide free fuel to Diaz for two years until the star athlete declined a request to share about the incentive on social media, citing an "engagement with another fuel brand."
READ: Full tank for life or empty promise? Hidilyn's manager clears air
"As with many corporate donations, such arrangements are guided by conditions, including brand alignment,” part of Phoenix’s statement read. “As circumstances changed and Ms. Diaz engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms.”
However, Hidilyn's manager Noel Ferrer pointed out that no conditions or restrictions were ever communication to the athlete's camp when the free fuel incentive was voluntarily rewarded by the company.
READ Phoenix airs side on Hidilyn Diaz's 'lifetime free gas' issue
"No conditions or restrictions were communicated to us at the time the reward was given," Ferrer said. “It was only around two years later that conditions relating to brand alignment were raised."
Here's the statement released by Noel Ferrer in full:
“We have taken note of the statement released by Phoenix Petroleum regarding the fuel donation extended to Hidilyn after her historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.
“First, we would like to reiterate our appreciation to all companies and individuals who supported Hidilyn following her victory.
"At the time the fuel benefit from Phoenix Petroleum was announced, it was presented publicly as a ‘FREE FUEL FOR LIFE’ reward, and it was conveyed to us as a gesture of support and recognition for Hidilyn’s achievement for the country.
"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.
"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.
"There was also no agreement or condition communicated that would prevent Hidilyn from entering into partnerships with other petroleum companies.
“For this reason, it is difficult for us to understand how circumstances that arose later can now be attributed to Hidilyn.
"It seems unfair for conditions to be introduced after the fact when the original gesture was presented to the public as purely gratuitous.
“We would also like to clarify that the statement I made as Hidilyn’s manager was entirely factual and based on the circumstances as they occurred.
"Any public reaction that followed is not something Hidilyn or her team sought, and it certainly was not intended to create hostility toward any party.
“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.
“Hidilyn’s journey to winning the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal was driven by her desire to bring honor and pride to the Filipino people and to the country.
"It was never about free fuel or rewards.
"It was about raising the Philippine flag, hearing the national anthem played for the first time for an Olympic gold, and proving to the world what Filipinos can achieve when they fight for their country.'
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