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MANILA, Philippines — Another page has turned on the issue regarding legendary weightlifer Hidilyn Diaz and her supposed "lifetime of free fuel" from Phoenix Petroleum.
Rising gas prices worldwide as a result of the current geopolitical tension in the Middle East have some Filipinos remembering that a lifetime of free gas was among Hidilyn's prizes from Phoenix for winning the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal.
Hidilyn's manager, Noel Ferrer, however, claimed that no lifetime supply of fuel was ever committed, adding that the athlete only received fuel support for the first two years after her historic win.
In response, Phoenix released a statement saying it always supported athletes, including Hidilyn in the build-up for competitions but halted giving the weightlifter fuel donations when she entered into a contract with another petroleum company.
"We fulfilled our commitments. As with many corporate donations, such arrangements are guided by conditions, including brand alignment," Phoenix explained. "As circumstances changed and Hidilyn engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms."
Phoenix said misleading narratives and unfair criticism were being hurled at the "unjustly vilified" company and expressed disappointment that Ferrer discussed the issue publicly without communicating or clarifying with them.
Ferrer responds
In a new statement shared last March 13, Ferrer took note of Phoenix's response and reiterated that the fuel benefit was presented as a "FREE FUEL FOR LIFE" reward publicly, conveyed to him and Hidilyn as a gesture of support and recognition for the latter's achievement.
Ferrer highlighted that no conditions or restrictions were communicated when the reward was given, and conditions relating to brand alignment were only raised two years later.
"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," said Ferrer. "There was also no agreement or condition communicated that would prevent Hidilyn from entering into partnerships with other petroleum companies."
He also lamented how the circumstances since have been attributed to Hidilyn, calling it unfair for conditions to be introduced when the original gesture was presented to the public as "purely gratuitous."
Ferrer made it clear his prior statement was based on facts and circumstances as they occurred, done without intention to create hostility toward anyone.
As mentioned before, Ferrer said Hidilyn was grateful for the support she's been given and they both respected Phoenix's decision not to continue the fuel benefit.
The statement ended with Ferrer hailing Hidilyn's gold medal achievement as a huge honor for her, fellow Filipinos, and the Philippines.
"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," Ferrer finished.
RELATED: Phoenix addresses claims Hidilyn Diaz's 'lifetime supply of fuel' went unfulfilled
