Senator Nancy Binay on Sunday lamented the loss of the World War II heroes in the P1,000 banknote, after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) unveiled a redesign of the bill.
The new P1,000 bill features the Philippine eagle in front, replacing José Abad Santos, Vicente Lim, and Josefa Llanes Escoda.
"The design of the new 1000-piso polymer banknote features the Philippine eagle, which 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," the BSP said in a statement.
But the redesign of the bill was not greeted warmly by the public, including Senator Binay, who said it sends a message that heroes are no longer worth the people's money.
"Aalisin yung mga bayani para sa eagle? Sadly, it is like saying that our martyrs and heroes are no longer worth our money," she said on Twitter.
(The heroes will be replaced for an eagle? Sadly, it is like saying that our martyrs and heroes are no longer worth our money.)
"Literal na nawalan na ng papel ang ating mga bayani."
(Literally, our heroes lost their roles.)
According to Binay, the BDP is "slowly silencing" memories of heroism and patriotism in the Philippines.
"They did not only erase our heroes, but also diminished Philippine history by focusing on plants and animals," she said.
The BSP stated in a previous statement that the P1,000 banknote already received the approval of the Monetary Board and the Office of the President.
It was also redesigned because of the "high number of 1000-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 is, thus, the most difficult banknote to forge," BSP said.
The new bill, aside from the Philippine eagle front and center, will also be made of polymer after other nations reported "better performance" of polymer bills in terms of public health, enhanced security, durability and cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.
The circulation of the bill is scheduled in April 2022, according to the BSP.
