MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:50 pm) — It appears not even those promised a lifetime supply of free fuel are not spared from rising gas prices.
The value of gas is rising worldwide because of the current geopolitical tension in the Middle East, leading many to try and find the lighter side of the sudden inflation.
One post making the rounds online was a reminder that weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was awarded a lifetime supply of fuel after she won the Philippines' first ever Olympic gold medal in 2020.
Hidilyn's manager, Noel Ferrer, however, appeared to dispute what was initially vowed to the athlete, claiming on social media the "lifetime supply" has not materialized.
"Medyo naiiling na lang ako. Si Haidie ay tumatahimik na lang at idinadaan na lang sa punchline. Pero drawing naman talaga ang lifetime na fuel supply," Ferrer told Pep.ph
Ferrer initially did not want to share too much out of concern that he or Hidilyn may get bashed, especially with gas prices being a current touchy subject.
"Pero waley ang lifetime supply na fuel na nai-commit. Ang tanong tuloy ng iba, kaninong lifetime ba ang tinutukoy nila?" Ferrer added. "Idinadaan na lang sa comedy ang lahat, pero OK na OK talaga kung seseryosohin ang pagbibitaw at pagtupad sa salita."
Ferrer then posted an official statement on his Facebook account reminding that the gas company publicly announced the lifetime fuel incentive for Hidilyn in 2020.
"[It] was their announcement, their commitment — not hearsay. In the press release, there were no conditions whatsoever; it was presented purely as an incentive," Ferrer continued as he noted Filipinos were now remembering the vow.
Hidilyn reportedly told Ferrer that she only received fuel support for the first two years after her historic gold medal win.
"Thanks, but to be accurate, it wasn't for a lifetime. I'm not sure whose lifetime the people had in mind," Ferrer reiterated.
He then called on to value promises made and appreciate the honors athletes like Hidilyn have brought to the Philippines.
"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," Ferrer ended. "May these tough times bring out the best in us — and the honesty to match public pronouncements."
Fuel company Phoenix Petroleum on Tuesday, March 12, released a statement addressing the issues raised.
The Davao-based gas company said it has been supportive of Filipino athletes, including Hidilyn even prior to her gold-winning performance in Tokyo.
As part of her incentive, Hidilyn was awarded with "free fuel for life" donation. The free gas donation stopped during the second year in 2022. Hidilyn was asked by the company if she could share about the free gas donation online, but the winning athlete declined citing that she had entered into a contract with another fuel 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."
The gas company lamented how the issue resurfaced years after, alleging misleading narratives and unfair criticism hurled at the "unjustly vilified" company. It also expressed disappointment that Ferrer discussed the issue publicly without communicating or clarifying with them.
Phoenix stressed that it remains proud of its contributions to Filipino athletes and reiterated that its respect for Hidilyn and Filipino athletes remain steadfast.