GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has already forgiven American comedian Adam Carolla for insulting him and fellow Filipinos in a podcast.

Pacquiao, who is running for congressman in Sarangani Province, said he has already accepted Carolla’s apology.

“Humingi naman siguro ng tawad, hayaan na natin… I have accepted his sorry. Tao lang naman tayo eh,” said the Filipino boxer.

The General Santos native, who became the first boxer to win 7 titles in 7 weight classes, urged the media and his fans not to blow the issue out of proportion.

“’Wag na natin palakihin ang isyu,” said Pacquiao.

Carolla earlier said on-air that 7-division world champion Pacquiao was illiterate, “brain-damaged” and a “f*****’ idiot.”

He also attacked Pacquiao’s refusal to undergo Olympic-style drug testing as demanded by undefeated American fighter Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (Read his comments here: US comedian calls Pacquiao 'illiterate', bashes Pinoys)

He later issued an apology in his Twitter account for “crossing the line” with his remarks against Pacquiao and the Filipinos in a podcast.

“Read your comments. Sorry if I offended many of u. I don't preplan my commentary. I try to be provocative, funny but I crossed the line & im sorry,” Carolla said in his verified Twitter account. (http://twitter.com/adamCarolla)

He added: “By the way, I think Manny is a great fighter."

The American radio personality and television host currently has 71,277 followers.

Earning more respect
Pacquiao’s reaction to Carolla’s comments has endeared him more to some of his fans. Pacquiao, known as a fearsome fighter, is widely considered a gracious person outside the boxing ring.

“Saludo ako kay Manny kasi pinatawad na niya ang komediyante (I salute Manny because he has forgiven the comedian),” said Ian Lloyd Poral, an avid Pacquiao fan.

“OK kaayo si Manny uy kasi pinatawad na niya ‘yong komediyante pero para sa mga Pilipino masakit pa rin ‘yon (Manny’s OK because he forgave the comedian but for us Filipinos the remarks remained painful),” said Jayne Albarico, another Pacquiao follower.

With a report from Jay Dayupay, ABS-CBN News SOCKSARGEN