Redesigning History: The Politics Behind the Changing Faces of Philippine Banknotes

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The recent redesign of the Philippine currency has sparked debates and raised eyebrows across the nation. With every alteration—whether it’s removing historical figures, changing colors, or updating imagery—it becomes clear that the nation’s banknotes are not merely tools for economic transactions but also canvases for political narratives. The latest changes, which some critics argue subtly erase remnants of the Marcos regime, highlight a deeper issue: the selective rewriting of history through symbols ingrained in our daily lives.

Monetary Bills as Political Tools

Banknotes are more than just paper; they are powerful symbols of national identity and collective memory. Every face, landmark, and symbol imprinted on a bill tells a story about the country's values, struggles, and triumphs. However, these narratives are vulnerable to political influence. In recent years, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has rolled out changes that many view as attempts to downplay or outright remove references to certain political eras—particularly the Marcos regime.

The replacement of historical figures with images of natural wonders and native fauna may seem apolitical at first glance, but context is everything. The removal of faces associated with key moments in Philippine history—whether celebrated or controversial—raises questions about intent. Are these changes driven by a desire for a more neutral and unifying national imagery, or are they subtle acts of historical revisionism?

Selective Erasure and Misplaced Priorities

While debates rage over whose face should appear on our money, there are more pressing concerns about the glorification of living politicians. Across the country, faces of elected officials dominate billboards announcing government projects funded by taxpayers’ money. Schools, streets, hospitals, and even waiting sheds are often named after politicians, turning public spaces into campaign posters in disguise.

If the goal is to reduce the influence of political personalities in our national imagery, shouldn't we start with these blatant displays of self-promotion? There should be a firm policy discouraging the inclusion of names and faces of incumbent officials on public infrastructure. Instead, recognition should be reserved for individuals who have made undeniable contributions to the nation's development and who are no longer in positions of power.

A Culture of 'Epal' Politics

"Epal," a Filipino term referring to politicians who shamelessly credit themselves for projects they are mandated to deliver, remains an enduring problem. While debates on currency design spark national discussions, the everyday visibility of politicians’ faces on every conceivable surface often goes unchecked. Government funds should never be used to fuel political campaigns disguised as public service announcements.

Instead of repeatedly redesigning currency in ways that invite controversy, the government should focus on institutional reforms that prevent political self-aggrandizement in public spaces. Legislation that strictly prohibits the naming of streets, schools, and other public infrastructure after politicians during their lifetime is long overdue.

A Call for Genuine Representation

Symbols matter. Whether on our money, on billboards, or on street signs, they shape how we perceive our leaders, our history, and ourselves. The faces and names we immortalize in these spaces should not be decided by those in power but by a collective agreement on who truly deserves such recognition.

Moving forward, the government must ensure that the redesign of banknotes is rooted in a transparent and inclusive consultation process, free from political motivations. Likewise, public infrastructure should serve the people, not the egos of those in office.

In the end, the true measure of progress lies not in whose face appears on a bill or a billboard, but in whether these symbols represent genuine contributions to the nation’s welfare. If we truly want to move forward, let’s start by putting an end to the culture of epal politics and focus on building a legacy of integrity, transparency, and accountability—values that no redesign can erase.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.