First edition of 'El Filibusterismo' fetches P21 million at auction

A rare first-edition copy of Jose Rizal's El Filibusterismo has been sold for P21 million from its starting price of P5 million. According to Leon Gallery, it has become the most expensive book ever sold in the Philippines.

Leon Gallery announced the new world record on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, after the Asian Cultural Council Auction 2026.

"NEW WORLD RECORD: A first edition El Filibusterismo has just achieved the title of being the most expensive book sold in the country!" they wrote in a post.

The item was bought for P21 million, from its starting price of P5 million.

The copy was signed with the words "A mi querido amigo el doctor T. H. Pardo de Tavera, Jose Rizal, Gante, 16/ IX 1891," which translates to, "To my dear friend, the doctor T. H. Pardo de Tavera, Jose Rizal, Ghent, 16 September 1891."

In a chat with PhilSTAR L!fe, Leon Gallery founder and director Jaime Ponce de Leon highlighted that it's "probably the last signed and dedicated copy in private hands."

"It surely deserved its price," he said, adding that it totaled P25,536,000, including Buyer's Premium. "T.H. Pardo de Tavera not only was a good friend of Rizal, but someone who shared the same vision and hopes for the Motherland," he continued.

According to its listing, El Filibusterismo is considered "far rarer" than its predecessor, Noli Me Tángere, as it was "printed when Jose Rizal was both emotionally and financially exhausted" and "was produced in fewer copies than his first book."

"This edition’s unique value comes from the National Hero’s signature added below a dedication to Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera. Signed September 16, 1891, it predates the commonly known printing date and is literally the press’s first copy. Rizal held this very book, personally sending Pardo de Tavera a message with it," the description read.

El Filibusterismo serves as the sequel to Noli Me Tángere and continues the story of Crisóstomo Ibarra, who now goes by a new identity as "Simoun" as he makes plans to ignite a revolution against the Spanish colonial regime.