When Pope John Paul II became the new pope, the Philippine Postal Administration decided to come out with a set of stamps that were intended to be released to coincide with the new pope's first visit to the Philippines.
In 1980, the stamps were printed as it was in this year that the pontiff was expected to visit the country. Right after the printing of the stamps, it was learned that the pope's visit will be in 1981. The printed stamps with the 1980 year were ordered destroyed but a few copies leaked. These stamps are now considered as rarities.
On February 17, 1981, the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Visit stamps were issued but this time, the year 1981 replaced the 1980 year. Italy's Staderini SPA printed the stamps and the imperforate souvenir sheet. The First Day Covers were postmarked with Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, Iloilo, Bataan, Legaspi, Bagiuo, and Manila International Airport.
Above photo shows the stamps bearing the 1980 year and the 1981 official stamp mounted on an uncancelled post card.
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