The Filipino boxer had the edge from the start of the encounter and his quickness around the ring and punching power gave him the edge over his American rival.
Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao, born December 17, 1978 is a Filipino professional boxer and politician, currently serving as a Senator of the Philippines.
He came close to winning the fight in the seventh round after a straight left had Broner reeling, but his opponent survived to make it the distance.
The judges were unanimous in giving Pacquiao the victory, with the scores being 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112.
"I am willing to fight with Floyd Mayweather if he is willing to come back to box."
The victory will only increase speculation of a rematch with unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr, who watched the fight from ringside and actually visited Pacquiao in his dressing room to wish him luck before the fight.
Former five-weight world champion Mayweather, who was in the crowd, gave no reaction when asked if the rematch could happen.
The 41-year-old beat Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition boxing bout in December but has previously said he is "still retired".
Showtime announcer Jim Gray tried to get Mayweather to climb in the ring after the fight and discuss a possible bout with Pacquiao, but Mayweather demurred.
It was the first fight in the US in two years for Pacquiao, who reunited with trainer Freddie Roach for a bout that would determine how much he had left at the age of 40.
Turns out he had plenty, in a fight that was entertaining even if it wasn't a classic.
Ringside punching stats showed Pacquiao landing 112 of 568 pounds. Broner threw only 295 punches and landed just 50.
Broner landed no more than eight punches in any round, and just one in the final round.
