The VFP Sons & Daughters Association, Inc (SDAI), a national association of direct descendants of World War 2 heroes and veterans, has expressed its opposition to the new design of the 1,000-piso polymer bill that was unveiled by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas over the weekend.
The new design features the Philippine eagle replacing the images of World War 2 heroes Brig. Gen. Vicente Lim, Supreme Court Justice Jose Abad Santos, and social worker and Girl Scouts founder Josefa Llanes Escoda.
"These heroes represent the best in the Filipino: bravery, sacrifice and love for country, (and) they gave their lives for the cause of freedom and democracy. They serve as role-models for our generation today," the group said.
Lim served in the Battle for Bataan and later organized and helped support the guerrilla movement against the Japanese. He was captured and later executed.
Abad Santos was executed by the Japanese for refusing to cooperate.
Escoda, who fought for women’s suffrage, was also captured and killed in World War II.
"We strongly urge the BSP to reconsider and retain the existing design," the group said.
On Saturday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno showed the media the new design of the 1,000-piso polymer banknotes that will be test-launched in April 2022.
Diokno said the Philippine eagle in the design of the new 1,000-piso banknote symbolizes clear vision, freedom, and strength.
"This is the first note in a new series of Philippine currency that will focus on the country’s rich flora and fauna," Diokno said, adding "those with positive Filipino images like [the] tamaraw, sampaguita, etc."
Diokno also said the circulated photo on Saturday of the new 1,000-piso banknote that drew negative comments because of some errors in its design was just a "sample" previously sent to the BSP for review.
"The BSP clarifies that the recently circulated photo of the new banknote was of a sample previously sent to the BSP for review.
Necessary corrections have already been made, including the spelling and italicizing of the scientific name of the Philippine eagle," BSP said in a statement.
House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate cited the wrong spelling of the Philippine eagle's scientific name Pithecophaga jefforyi, wherein it should be Pithecophaga jefferyi. He also said the scientific name should be italicized because it is written in Latin.
The BSP in an earlier briefing said it has scheduled the circulation of the 1,000-piso banknote in April 2022.
The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, among other countries, have reported better performance of polymer banknotes compared to paper counterparts in terms of promoting public health and hygiene, enhanced security, durability and cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.
The issuance of the new 1,000-piso banknote has already been approved by the Monetary Board and the Office of the President.
The denomination was selected in view of the high number of 1,000-piso banknotes in circulation compared to other notes.
It is also the subject of the highest number of counterfeiting attempts, although it has the largest number of security features and thus is the most difficult banknote to forge.
Diokno said the BSP will continue to update the public on developments on this matter.