The promise of a “lifetime” supply of free fuel for the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz, has come under intense scrutiny as the nation fights with a fresh wave of soaring oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
On Thursday, Diaz’s manager, Noel Ferrer, took to social media to clarify that the celebrated incentive from Phoenix Petroleum, famously announced following her historic 55 kg weightlifting win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, was far from the lifelong benefit it was portrayed to be. According to Ferrer, the supply lasted for only two years before it was abruptly halted.
Lifetime Drawing: 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz’s manager shared his sentiments on an Instagram post on the viral issue “free lifetime fuel incentive”; Phoenix Petroleum retaliated with a press release.
“The Lifetime fuel incentive was their announcement, their commitment—not hearsay. In the art card/press release, there were no conditions whatsoever; it was presented purely as an incentive.”
The issue resurfaced this week as frustrated motorists and netizens, burdened by the skyrocketing cost of gasoline, recalled the “sana all” (hope for all) perk awarded to Diaz in 2021. Many had assumed the champion was immune to the current price hikes, only for Ferrer to reveal the reality behind the deal.
Ferrer expressed disappointment that such high-profile commitments to national athletes often seem to fade once the viral moment passes, describing the unfulfilled promise as symptomatic of how the country sometimes regards its heroes once they are out of the immediate limelight.
Phoenix Petroleum clarified in their press release last March 12, 2026, that they have fulfilled their commitment to the said athlete. They also clarified that the free fuel incentives were accompanied by conditions that are aligned with the company’s brand alignment. Only when the circumstances had changed could Ms. Hidilyn no longer avail such benefits as she entered a contract with another fuel company.
Be that as it may, the Phoenix expressed their disappointment to the team of Ms. Hidilyn Diaz, especially to her manager, Ferrer, for exposing that matter to the social media platform instead of settling the subject privately. Still, the company enunciated full support to the athletes and is proud of the recognition they have given to our country.
