MANILA — Phoenix Petroleum on Thursday aired its side as the "lifetime free fuel incentive" for Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz resurfaced.
The petroleum company asserted that it "fulfilled" its commitments to the national athlete, although "circumstances changed" after Diaz "engaged with another fuel brand."
Diaz's manager Noel Ferrer earlier revealed in a social media post that she only received her fuel supply for only two years.
READ: Hidilyn Diaz only received free fuel for two years says manager
"In March 2022, Ms. Diaz received her second year of fuel donation from us. 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," Phoenix Petroleum said in a statement.
"We fulfilled our commitments. As with many corporate donations, such arrangements are guided by conditions, including brand alignment. As circumstances changed and Ms. Diaz engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms," it added.
The petroleum company also expressed disappointment as Ferrer did not reach out to them to clarify the matter.
READ: Amid rising oil prices, netizens bring up Hidilyn Diaz's lifetime free fuel incentive
Diaz's supposed "lifetime" benefitcame up after oil prices surged lately, with social media users bringing up the matter online.
"We are also disappointed that this matter was raised publicly by her manager before any direct communication or clarification with us. Had they reached out first, it could have been clarified privately and amicably," it said.
Despite the issue, Phoenix said it continues to respect Diaz's golden triumph in Tokyo Olympics.
"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," it concluded its statement.