1935 2c Jose Rizal, Rose, Philippine Islands

This 1935 stamp pictures Jose Rizal. He was the subject of the two-centavo stamp beginning in 1906. The 1935 issue was printed in rose rather than the previous deep green color.

In 1906, the American military government in the Philippines was replaced with a civil government.  The US Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced new stamps specifically for the Philippines.  They pictured famous Filipinos, Americans, and Spaniards. 

The two-centavo stamp features national hero José Rizal (1861-1896).  An eye doctor by profession, he advocated self-rule for the Philippines using peaceful means.  His ideas have been compared to those of India’s Gandhi.

When Spain controlled the country, Rizal founded a civic organization, La Liga Filipina.  From this, a secret society known as the Katipunan emerged.  This group was instrumental in the revolt against Spain. 

In spite of his advocating for peaceful change, the Spanish government connected Rizal to the revolt.  When he was on his way to Cuba, where he had volunteered to serve as a doctor for the Spanish forces, he was arrested and imprisoned in Spain.  He was sent back to the Philippine capital of Manila to stand trial for his association with the revolutionaries.  Rizal was convicted of rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy, then sentenced to death by firing squad.

In the years following his death, Rizal became a national hero to the Filipino people.  His calls for liberty and dignity of the citizens became clearer as people began reading his many works of fiction and poetry.