What’s the real score behind Hidilyn Diaz's 'lifetime fuel' reward?

MANILA: Following the surge in fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East, the story about Hidilyn Diaz receiving a lifetime supply of fuel from Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Incorporated several years ago resurfaced recently online.

Many are reacting to the said reward, saying that the Filipino Olympian would not be affected by the surging pump prices.

However, the topic took a different turn after Manuel Noel Ferrer (Diaz’s manager) posted on his social media that the athlete stopped receiving the support after two years.

“Netizens resurfaced it recently. Hidilyn told me that she received fuel support for the first two years after her win. Thanks, but to be accurate, it wasn’t for a lifetime. I’m not sure whose lifetime the people had in mind,” Ferrer said in the post.

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“Sana matuto tayong bigyan ng importansya hindi lang ang mga salita at pangakong binitiwan kundi ang pagpapahalaga sa mga atletang naghatid ng karangalan sa bansa (I hope we learn to value not only the words and promises made, but also the athletes who have brought honor to the country). Sadly, this is also 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 public pronouncements,” he added.

Meanwhile, the fuel company responded, noting that after Diaz received her second year of fuel donation, the athlete was asked if the donation could be shared online but the latter declined as she had entered into a contract with another petroleum company.

After that, Phoenix Petroleum claimed that Diaz stopped communicating with them and that they respected her decision.

“We fulfilled our commitments. As with many corporate donations, such arrangements are guided by conditions, including brand alignment. As circumstances change and Ms. Diaz engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms,” the firm noted in the statement.

Further, Phoenix Petroleum expressed disappointment that the manager publicly raised the issue before talking to them. “Had they reached out first, it could have been clarified privately and amicably.”

At the time of posting this article, Diaz, has yet to issue any statement regarding the issue.

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