Stamps issued to mark centenary of late dictator Marcos

Marcos stamps
A sheet of the 12-peso stamps issued to commemorate the centenary of the late dictator’s birth

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhlPost) has issued a commemorative stamp to mark the birth centenary of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The 12-peso stamps feature Marcos’ portrait and signature. According to PhlPost’s website, 50,000 have been printed and will be sold at select PhlPost branches until September 10 next year.

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The stamps measure 30mm by 40mm and were designed by Victorino Severo. It is printed by Amstar Company Inc.

Marcos, who was born on September 11, 1917, first served as president from 1966 to 1969. He was then reelected for a second term from 1969 to 1972.

However, before this term ended he placed the Philippines under Martial Law and held on to his office until he was forced to flee the country by the People Power uprising of 1986.

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During his years in power, thousands of activists and members of the political opposition were either killed or arbitrarily detained in military camps. The country’s foreign debt ballooned and widespread graft and corruption stalled economic growth and government programs.

After he died in exile in September 1989, his mummified were displayed at a museum in Ilocos Norte.

Then, last November, with the approval of President Duterte and the Supreme Court, his body was moved to the Libingan ng mga Bayani, or Heroes’ Cemetery in Manila.

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The postal agency has previously issued stamps commemorating the birth centenary of five other Philippine presidents, namely, Emilio Aguinaldo (1969), Manuel Quezon (1978), Sergio Osmeña (1978), Ramon Magsaysay (2007), and Diosdado Macapagal (2010).

It also issues stamps to commemorate presidential inaugurations. Last year 150,000 were issued to mark President Duterte’s election victory.

“Others were given commemorative stamps either on their inauguration as President or under the banner of the Decade of Filipino Nationalism — Great Filipinos,” the agency said.

“Stamps are miniature pieces of art and a recorder of history. They are visual representations of our country’s history.”