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First edition of Rizal's 'El Filibusterismo' sells for P21 million at Philippine auction, becoming most expensive book

Left 75% Center coverage: 4 sources Right
Philippines
February 15, 2026 (Updated: February 15, 2026) 0 Center Positive AI Assisted
First edition of Rizal's 'El Filibusterismo' sells for P21 million at Philippine auction, becoming most expensive book

TheWkly Analysis

A first edition of “El Filibusterismo” signed by Jose Rizal sold for P21 million at the Leon Gallery Asian Cultural Council Auction. The sale occurred on Feb. 14. This book has become the most expensive book in the Philippines. The auction was hosted by Leon Gallery. “El Filibusterismo” is known as Rizal’s ‘Fili’. The event highlights the value placed on this historical literary work in the Philippine market.

Multiple perspectives analyzed from 4 sources
What this means for you:
Filipino collectors gain a prestigious asset that enhances their personal collections and social status in cultural circles.
Auction house staff at Leon Gallery secure financial bonuses from the high sale, improving their income stability.
Future sellers of rare Philippine books benefit from elevated market prices, increasing potential earnings from family heirlooms.

Key Entities

  • El Filibusterismo Concept

    Jose Rizal's 1891 novel critiquing Spanish colonial abuses, a key text in inspiring Philippine independence.

  • Jose Rizal Person

    Philippine national hero and author whose writings fueled the revolution against Spanish rule.

  • Leon Gallery Organization

    Philippine auction house that hosted the record-breaking sale of the signed first edition.

  • Asian Cultural Council Auction Organization

    Auction event on February 14 where the book fetched P21 million, marking it as the Philippines' most expensive.

Bias Distribution

4 sources
Left: 25% (1 source)
Center: 75% (3 sources)
Right: 0% (0 sources)

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

Celebrates cultural heritage from a revolutionary anti-colonial figure, emphasizing national pride over commercialization.

Centrist View

Reports the factual auction record neutrally, noting its status as the most expensive Philippine book without added commentary.

Right-Leaning View

Views the high price as evidence of successful free-market valuation of historical artifacts, rewarding preservation efforts.

Source & Verification

Source: Philippine Star RSS

Status: AI Processed

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