Noel Ferrer raises questions over Phoenix Petroleum’s ‘free fuel for life’ pledge to Hidilyn Diaz

Fuel company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines has found itself at the center of a public controversy after it was alleged that the company failed to fully deliver on its widely publicized promise of providing Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz with “free fuel for life” following her historic gold medal triumph at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Diaz made history in 2021 when she captured the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in the women’s 55kg weightlifting event, ending the country’s nearly century-long wait for a gold in the Games. Her achievement sparked a wave of national celebration and prompted a series of rewards and incentives from both the government and private companies eager to recognize her remarkable accomplishment.

Among those that pledged support was Phoenix Petroleum, which publicly announced that it would provide the weightlifting icon with a lifetime supply of fuel. However, the issue resurfaced recently after Diaz’s longtime manager, Noel Ferrer, took to social media to clarify that the commitment did not materialize as initially presented.

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“Medyo naiiling na lang ako. Si Haidie ay tumahimik na lang at idinadaan na lang sa punchline. Pero drawing naman talaga ang lifetime na fuel suppy,” Ferrer said.

“Pero waley ang lifetime supply na fuel na nai-commit. Ang tanong tuloy ng iba, kaninong lifetime ba ang tinutukoy nila? Idinadaan na lang sa comedy ang lahat, pero OK na OK talaga kung seseryosohin ang pagbibitaw at pagtupad sa salita,” he added.

According to Ferrer, Diaz only received the free fuel benefit for approximately two years following her Olympic victory. After that period, the arrangement reportedly stopped, prompting questions about the original promise that had been publicly announced at the time.

Statement of Noel Ferrer, manager of Hidilyn Diaz on the latter’s “lifetime” oil incentive from Phoenix Petroleum. Diaz said she only received free oil for two years. Ferrer: we should give importance not only with the promises being blurted out but for our athletes as well. pic.twitter.com/jrSJ8wNHTf

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The matter gained renewed attention amid the recent surge in global fuel prices, which have been influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and other economic pressures affecting the global energy market. Ferrer noted that while Diaz has largely chosen to remain quiet on the matter, the situation reflects broader concerns about how athletes are treated once the spotlight on their achievements fades.

“It was their announcement, their commitment – not hearsay. In the press release, there were no conditions whatsoever; it was presented purely as an incentive. Thanks, but to be accurate, it wasn’t for a lifetime. I’m not sure whose lifetime the people had in mind,” Ferrer wrote.

“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 continued.

In response to the allegations, Phoenix Petroleum issued a statement defending its position and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the arrangement. The company emphasized that it had indeed supported Diaz even before her historic Olympic triumph and maintained that it had fulfilled the commitments agreed upon at the time.

“We fulfilled our commitments. As with many corporate donations, such arrangements are guided by conditions, including brand alignment. As circumstances changed and Hidilyn engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms,” the company said.

Phoenix Petroleum also expressed disappointment over how the issue was raised publicly, saying that the matter could have been clarified privately before being brought to social media. The Davao-based fuel company further criticized what it described as misleading narratives circulating online and stressed that its support for Filipino athletes remains part of its broader corporate advocacy.

The situation has sparked discussions among sports fans and observers about corporate incentives for athletes and the importance of clear agreements when such rewards are announced publicly. Diaz, widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ greatest athletes, continues to be an influential figure in Philippine sports following her historic Olympic victory.

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