MANILA, Philippines –The August Twenty-One Movement (Atom), a well-known civil society group in the Philippines, has criticized the removal of images depicting Philippine heroes and past presidents from the bills.
Atom claims that the move of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is an attempt to “rewrite history.”
The new peso bills, which are made of polymer, primarily feature plants and animals native to the Philippines.
The BSP argues that the updated banknotes are a step forward, highlighting their enhanced security features, durability, and ecological benefits. The polymer material is touted as being recyclable and having a low carbon footprint.
Atom, however, contends that the absence of notable figures from the nation’s history diminishes the cultural and historical significance of the currency.
The group believes that featuring heroes on the banknotes serves as an educational tool, reminding citizens of the sacrifices made by these individuals for the country.
In response to Atom’s outcry, the BSP has stated that the decision to redesign the banknotes was made after careful consideration.
They emphasize the importance of modernizing the currency to safeguard against counterfeiting and to ensure the resilience of the banknotes in various conditions.
The bank also reassures that the essence of national pride is still preserved through the inclusion of Philippine national symbols on the new bills.