Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz on Thursday said she had forgiven Malacañang for linking her to an alleged plot to destabilize the government, saying what's important is her peace of mind.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who congratulated Diaz in a video call shortly after her arrival in the country Wednesday night, told her to "let bygones be bygones."
"Yes. Napatawad ko," Diaz told ANC in an interview when asked if she has forgiven the Palace over the "matrix" that linked her to alleged anti-government plotters.
The first Filipino athlete to win an Olympic gold medal after 97 years said there was no need for Malacañang to issue an apology.
"As long as nag-moving forward ako at nagawa ko nang maayos at na-serve at na-represent ko nang maayos ang Pilipinas, masaya ako," she said.
"Hindi ko kailangan ang sinasabi ng iba kasi alam ko ang totoo. Para sa akin yun ang importante at may peace of mind ako," she added.
Duterte told Diaz in the video call: "You already have the gold. Gold is gold and it would be good for you to let bygones be bygones and dwell solely on your victory together with your family and, of course, with the nation."
Diaz said she was thankful to the President for realizing that athletes need the support of the government in order to become successful in their field.
"Ngayon kasi kailangan makita na ano ba talaga ang kailangan ng isang atleta para ma-sustain natin. Para hindi lang ako yung first gold, marami tayong gold na sunud-sunod," she said.
"So nakita nila, kung gusto nating manalo ng gold medal, kailangan talaga ng suporta ng atleta. Para sa akin, thankful ako para kay President Duterte kagabi," she added.
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