MANILA — Noel Ferrer, the manager of Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, clarified that "no conditions or restrictions were communicated to us," after Phoenix Petroleum stopped its "free fuel for life" incentive for the national athlete after two years, citing brand alignment.
Ferrer said that their camp was surprised after the company raised the conditions, as it were not a part of their original understanding.
He said that the free fuel benefit was presented to them as "gesture of support," celebrating Diaz's golden triumph in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
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"Importantly, no conditions or restrictions were communicated to us at the time the reward was given. It was only around two years later that conditions relating to brand alignment were raised," said Ferrer in a statement.
"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," he added.
READ: Hidilyn Diaz only received free fuel for two years says manager
Ferrer also bared that Phoenix Petroleum did not communicate any condition that Diaz could not partner with any petroleum company after receiving the incentive from them.
"There was also no agreement or condition communicated that would prevent Hidilyn from entering into partnerships with other petroleum companies," he said.
READ: Amid rising oil prices, netizens bring up Hidilyn Diaz's lifetime free fuel incentive
Still, Diaz was grateful for the reward she received from the gas company that lasted for two years, said Ferrer, and their camp respects its choice to stop the incentive.
"That said, Hidilyn remains grateful for the support she has received over the years. Phoenix Petroleum decided not to continue the fuel benefit and we respect their decision," he said.
Diaz's lifetime fuel benefit emerged when oil prices soared globally, with social media users taking notice of the Olympic champion's rewards from 2021.