Banknotes with historical figures still in circulation - BSP

Metro Manila, Philippines - The banknotes featuring the country’s historical figures will remain in circulation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) assured the public.

Following the clamor on the designs of the new bills, the BSP said the banknotes with the heroes will still circulate together with the country’s first polymer banknote series featuring biodiversity.

“The BSP has always featured the country’s heroes and natural wonders in banknotes and coins,” the bank said in a statement on Saturday, Dec. 21.

“Featuring different symbols of national pride on our banknotes and coins reflects numismatic dynamism and artistry and promotes appreciation of the Filipino identity,” the BSP said.

Former Senator Bam Aquino – the nephew of the late Senator Ninoy Aquino and late President Cory Aquino who are in the P500 bill – and the group August Twenty-One Movement questioned the new designs, saying the heroes in the banknotes should be remembered.

The BSP unveiled the First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series in Malacañang on Dec. 19. The new banknotes will be in circulation in limited quantities during the Christmas week.