How is Manny Pacquiao viewed by Filipinos (living in the Philippines)?

Pacquiao used to be dirt poor and poor Filipinos still regard him as one of their own. They often find it humorous when they see one of them talk broken English so they also laugh when Manny talks English. It's a positive thing, because if they did not laugh and just stared at him it means they dont care at all and they perceive him as not somebody they can relate with.