A heroes' welcome for Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao.
The eight division world champion is a national idol here.
Fresh from a comeback victory bout last week, he delivered aid to victims of typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban City on Monday.
(SOUNDBITE)(Filipino) FILIPINO BOXER MANNY PACQUIAO SAYING:
"I have been through the hardships and experienced what they are experiencing now, that is why I am here to join them, to give aid and encouragement."
The fighter is also a sitting member of Congress.
But he's under investigation for a tax probe -- amounting to more than 50 million dollars.
His banks accounts have been frozen.
He borrowed the money to deliver this aid.
None of that detracts from his admirers.
(SOUNDBITE)(Filipino) TACLOBAN CITY RESIDENT VIRGILIO ONG SAYING:
"He helps lighten the spirits and lessens the sadness. He gives encouragement to all the victims of typhoon Haiyan."
Pacquiao denies the tax allegations.
He's scheduled to visit other typhoon-hit cities before heading back to his home town in the southern Philippines.
