GENERAL SANTOS CITY — When Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao?s bank account became fatter after he floored Mexican Erik Morales Nov. 19 in Las Vegas, his mother Dionisia said she only wanted a car as ?balato? [token from winnings] from him.
?Manny, just give me a car,? Dionisia told a television station after his son defeated Morales to become World Boxing Council super featherweight champion and won a $3-million (P150-million) purse, aside from percentage shares in pay-per-view subscriptions.
On Wednesday, the woman got more than what she had wished for?a Toyota Altis that was rarely used by Manny?s wife Jinky but still flawless. A brand-new Altis costs P720,000.
?Thanks, son,? a grinning Dionisia said.
Manny also assigned a driver and a security escort to his mother.
Kidnapping threat
Recently, police authorities warned the Filipino boxing sensation of an alleged plot by a kidnapping syndicate to snatch any member of his family.
Chief Supt. German Doria, police chief of Central Mindanao, said the threat was monitored by intelligence officers. He said police were still verifying the threat but added that Manny should not let his guard down.
Just ask him
Manny said he was appealing to whoever was plotting to harm his family to just ask him if they needed anything. The southpaw is known for his kind-heartedness among residents here and in other areas.
Every time Manny returns home after his fight, people would troop to his house. He would always give them gifts, including cash.
Recently, he gave P3,000 to former world boxing champion Rolando Navarrete.
Aside from the car, Manny shouldered the cost of materials and construction of a peripheral fence for his mother?s house in Labangal village here.
