The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas confirmed Friday that images of Philippine heroes have been removed in the new series of polymer banknotes but will remain in paper banknotes that are already in circulation.
Atty. Sarah Severina Curtis, director of the BSP Banknotes and Securities Production Management Department, said the images of heroes have been removed from the new P500, P100 and P50 banknotes.
The new banknotes will feature native and protected animals and plants alongside traditional local weave designs. Among the animals featured in the notes are the Visayan spotted deer, Palawan peacock pheasant and whale shark.
‘We want to also feature what other elements of Filipino identities are. Bukod sa heroes, we are also known for our rich biodiversity kasi ,so ‘yung mga endemic, endangered species unto naman natin I-feature,” she said in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo.
The images of former presidents Corazon Aquino, “Dito sa polymer banknotes, hindi po natin siya nai-feature pero we want to ensure na circulating pa rin po ang ating papel na banknotes. In terms of ratio, mas marami pa rin ang paper banknotes.”
Aside from Aquino, other images no longer featured in the new banknotes are former presidents Sergio Osmena and Manuel Roxas.
Curtis however said that the BSP will ensuree that the paper notes will still be circulated, pointing out that “in terms of ratio, there are more paper notes.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. unveiled the first Philippine polymer banknote series on December 19, 2024, at Malacañang Palace.
This historic launch includes new denominations of PHP 50, PHP 100, PHP 500, and the previously introduced PHP 1,000 note.
“It builds on the success of the 1,000-peso polymer note introduced in April of 2022 and aligns with the global best practice of updating currency features every 10 years,” the President explained.
He also cited that polymer banknotes have been adopted by over 40 countries worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
“The Philippines proudly joins their ranks, ensuring that our currency remains secure, durable, and sustainable,” he remarked.
“Polymer banknotes are designed to keep up with the demands of everyday life. Unlike paper bills, which wear out after about a year, a year and a half, polymer banknotes can last up to seven and a half years—five times longer,” President Marcos assured.
The new designs feature native species such as the Visayan spotted deer and the Palawan peacock-pheasant, symbolizing clarity and grace.
Marcos reminded the public that existing paper banknotes will continue to circulate and remain valid.
“There is no need to worry about that, the cash in your wallet is — still has its value. The polymer banknotes are simply a step forward—stronger, more durable, better suited to today’s demands, while still preserving the essence of what makes our currency truly Filipino,” he said.
The new series will be available in limited quantities starting December 23 in Greater Manila, with broader distribution planned for January 2025.
