Ronnie Liang Drops Controversial Remark as Hidilyn Diaz Fuel Issue Resurfaces
RONNIE LIANG – Netizens are buzzing online after Ronnie Liang shared a blunt message that some believe may be a subtle jab at Hidilyn Diaz amid the ongoing fuel incentive controversy.
Singer, actor, licensed pilot, and Army reservist Ronnie Liang recently posted a statement on social media that many netizens believe could be a subtle jab at Hidilyn Diaz amid the controversy surrounding the alleged “lifetime free fuel” incentive connected to the Olympic champion.
Although Liang did not directly mention any names, online speculation quickly linked his remarks to Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, who won the historic victory in women’s weightlifting at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
The issue resurfaced following reports that the “lifetime free fuel” incentive promised to Diaz by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines may not have been fully realized. The topic gained attention once again amid rising petroleum prices tied to tensions involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
Earlier, Diaz’s longtime manager, Noel Ferrer, claimed in an Instagram story that the incentive was merely a “drawing,” explaining that the athlete only received free fuel for two years.
In response, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines released an official statement clarifying its side of the matter. According to the company, it has long supported Filipino athletes. As early as 2018, the company conducted donation drives in support of the country’s quest to secure its first Olympic gold medal. In 2019, the company also answered Diaz’s call for support by providing her with an allowance as she continued training for major competitions.
After Diaz captured the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Phoenix Petroleum stated that it gave the champion a ₱5 million cash donation. The company also awarded ₱3 million each to fellow Olympic medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, while Eumir Marcial received ₱1 million.
The company added that Diaz, as the country’s lone gold medalist at the event, was the recipient of the “free fuel for life” donation.
However, Phoenix Petroleum explained that Diaz received her second year of fuel donation in March 2022. When the company allegedly asked her to share the support online, the athlete reportedly declined because she had already signed a contract with another petroleum company.
According to the firm, communication between the two parties eventually stopped, and they chose to respect her decision. Phoenix Petroleum maintained that it fulfilled its commitment, but because Diaz later partnered with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same conditions.
Despite the controversy, the company emphasized that it continues to respect Hidilyn Diaz and all Filipino athletes, expressing pride in the role it played in supporting them during important stages of their careers.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post on Saturday, March 14, Liang pointed out what he described as unfair treatment toward a company that supported an unnamed personality early in their career.
In his post, he wrote, “Ang nag bibigay sayo ng Libreng Fuel at sumuporta sayo noong nag uumpisa ka palang Si Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. tapos ang ine endorse mo ibang Oil Company.
“Unfair naman un sa nag bibigay ng libreng fuel at tumulong sayo nun nag start ka palang lumaban and masakit din on their part.”
“Gamit mo gas nila tapos iba un pino promote mo,” he wrote.
READ ALSO: Hidilyn Diaz Free Fuel Lasted Only Two Years, Phoenix Makes Clarification