Dolphy, the Philippines' so-called King of Comedy, has lost his battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The 83-year-old funnyman, full name Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr., died in a Manila hospital on Tuesday (10Jul12), reports the Associated Press.
President Benigno Aquino has led Filipino fans in paying tribute to the comedian, praising him as "humble, honest, and helpful".
A statement from Aquino reads, "He changed not just his industry, but also the national consciousness. Through his art, he widened our outlook, he gave us the power to find and cherish happiness in our daily lives."
Dolphy had one of the longest careers in the country's showbiz history, starring on TV and radio, and appearing in more than 200 films.