PHOENIX Petroleum clarified that it fulfilled its commitment of a ‘free fuel for life’ donation to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz after she won for the Philippines its first ever Olympic gold medal during the 2020 Tokyo Games.
In a statement released on Thursday, the oil company said the 35-year-old Olympian was given by Phoenix the second year of her fuel donation dated March of 2022.
Diaz acknowledged receiving the donation, but refused to share the experience online when asked by the oil firm.
The reason?
The weightlifter from Zamboanga apparently entered into a contract with another petroleum company and since then, had ceased communicating with Phoenix management, a decision which the company respected.
READ: Full tank for life or empty promise? Hidilyn's manager clears air
“We fulfilled our commitments. 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.”
The issue on the ‘free fuel for life’ came about after Diaz’s manager Noel Ferrer came out on social media and said the gold medalist didn’t get to enjoy the incentive earlier promised by Phoenix.
“Sana bigyan natin ng importansya hindi lang ang mga salita at pangakong binitawan, kundi ang pagpapahalaga sa mga atletang nagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa,” said Ferrer in a statement.
“This is 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 promises and public pronouncements.”
The fuel incentive was brought back to life after netizens recalled that Diaz received a free fuel for life from Phoenix in the light of rising fuel prices brought about by the war in the Middle East.
The oil company, however, is at a loss on why the matter was suddenly brought up.
“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,” said Phoenix.
Nonetheless, the oil firm reiterate its commitment on supporting Filipino athletes in their campaigns.
“Phoenix Petroleum remains proud of the role we played in supporting our athletes during an important chapter of their journey,” it said.
“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.”
READ FULL STATEMENT HERE:
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