‘Drawing lang’: Hidilyn Diaz’s manager clarifies ‘lifetime supply of fuel’ incentive

The Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz reacts after placing first in the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo on July 26, 2021.

AFP / Vincenzo Pinto

MANILA, Philippines — It appears not even those promised a lifetime supply of free fuel are not spared from rising gas prices.

The value of gas is rising worldwide because of the current geopolitical tension in the Middle East, leading many to try and find the lighter side of the sudden inflation.

One post making the rounds online was a reminder that weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was awarded a lifetime supply of fuel after she won the Philippines' first ever Olympic gold medal in 2020.

Hidilyn's manager, Noel Ferrer, however, appeared to dispute what was initially vowed to the athlete, claiming on social media the "lifetime supply" has not materialized.

"Medyo naiiling na lang ako. Si Haidie ay tumatahimik na lang at idinadaan na lang sa punchline. Pero drawing naman talaga ang lifetime na fuel supply," Ferrer told Pep.ph

Ferrer initially did not want to share too much out of concern that he or Hidilyn may get bashed, especially with gas prices being a current touchy subject.

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

Ferrer then posted an official statement on his Facebook account reminding that the gas company publicly announced the lifetime fuel incentive for Hidilyn in 2020.

"[It] was their announcement, their commitment — not hearsay. In the press release, there were no conditions whatsoever; it was presented purely as an incentive," Ferrer continued as he noted Filipinos were now remembering the vow.

Hidilyn reportedly told Ferrer that she only received fuel support for the first two years after her historic gold medal win.

"Thanks, but to be accurate, it wasn't for a lifetime. I'm not sure whose lifetime the people had in mind," Ferrer reiterated.

He then called on to value promises made and appreciate the honors athletes like Hidilyn have brought to the Philippines.

"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," Ferrer ended. "May these tough times bring out the best in us — and the honesty to match public pronouncements."

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