By Aquiles Z. Zonio
Inquirer

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Scores of people are patiently waiting outside the house of Manny Pacquiao here for a "balato" (token share of winnings) after his victory over Mexican boxer Erik Morales earned him a huge prize money.
For three days, about 300 people, some of them coming from as far as the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur, have stayed outside Pacquiao's house in Barangay Labangal.

They said they would only go home if Pacquiao showed up.

To ensure they would not miss any tip once Pacquiao shows up, the fans are conducting nightly vigils.

As of Wednesday, the country's boxing sensation has not granted the requests of his fans.

It could not be confirmed where Pacquiao has been staying since his return from the United States.

Pacquiao's mother, Dionisia, spoke over a local radio station and asked for understanding.

She said it was true that his son made some money from the fight and from the live telecast on a pay-per-view channel. But Manny, she said, "has yet to receive anything."

"He even borrowed money from his manager. You should understand that it is not easy to bring home such amount," Dionisia said.

Estimates of Pacquiao's actual net income from his bout with Morales vary.

Some say he became two million dollars richer from the prize money alone, but others claim it would actually be a little over 300,000 dollars after taxes and other deductions.

Dionisia said her son was always ready to share his blessings.

Former boxing champion Rolando Navarrete got 1,000 pesos when he patiently trailed the float carrying Pacquiao during a rousing welcome ceremony for the latter last week.