FILE

MANILA, Philippines — Hidilyn Diaz was once promised “free fuel for life” by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines after her historic Olympic victory, but the company says the arrangement eventually ended after the athlete entered into a partnership with another petroleum brand.

In a recent statement, Phoenix Petroleum explained the circumstances behind the incentive it announced following Diaz’s triumph at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she delivered the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in July 2021.

“Phoenix Petroleum has always held our athletes in the highest regard, and remains proud to have supported them through the years,” the company said.

Support before Olympic victory

Phoenix said its support for Filipino athletes dates back to 2018 through the Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation, a program aimed at helping athletes pursue the country’s long-awaited Olympic gold medal.

In 2019, while Diaz was preparing for international competitions, the company said it responded to her request for assistance and provided financial support.

After Diaz’s historic Olympic win, Phoenix awarded ₱5 million to the weightlifting champion.

Other Filipino Olympic medalists also received incentives from the company. Boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, who won silver medals, each received ₱3 million, while bronze medalist Eumir Marcial was given ₱1 million.

The company also extended fuel assistance to the athletes.

“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,” Phoenix said.

Fuel support lasted about two years

Phoenix said Diaz received her second year of fuel support in March 2022.

However, the company said the arrangement later changed. According to Phoenix, when it asked Diaz if she could share the fuel donation online, she declined because she had recently entered into a contract with another 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,” the company said.

Phoenix explained that corporate sponsorships or donations often involve considerations such as brand alignment, which meant the fuel arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms.

Issue resurfaces online

The company said it was surprised that the issue resurfaced on social media years later, particularly amid discussions about rising fuel prices.

“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 company said.

Phoenix also expressed disappointment that Diaz’s manager reportedly raised the issue publicly before reaching out to the company for clarification.

Historic Olympic moment

Diaz remains one of the most celebrated athletes in Philippine sports history. Her victory at the Tokyo Olympics ended the Philippines’ nearly 97-year wait for an Olympic gold medal since the country first joined the Games in 1924.

Following her win, Diaz received multiple incentives from government and private organizations, including rewards under the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, housing grants, and endorsement deals.

Despite the renewed online controversy, Phoenix Petroleum emphasized that its respect for Diaz and Filipino athletes remains unchanged.

“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,” the company said.