MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix Petroleum maintained that it fulfilled its commitment with the country's first gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz, by giving her P5 million and her supply of fuel, which was discussed online recently.
In a statement, the company said Diaz was asked to share that she received the second year of her fuel donation online but she declined, having signed a contract with another petroleum company. She also stopped communicating with them.
"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," the company said in a statement.
"It is therefore puzzling that, five years later, this matter has resurfaced online amid discussions about rising fuel prices, leading to misleading narratives and unfair criticism directed at Phoenix Petroleum. Despite the support we extended in good faith, the company is being unjustly vilified," it added.
The company issued the statement after Diaz’s manager posted on social media that the lifetime fuel supply was not fulfilled.
"Had they reached out first, it could have been clarified privately and amicably," Phoenix Petroleum said.
"Phoenix Petroleum remains proud of the role we played in supporting our athletes during an important chapter of their journey. Lastly, 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," they added.
