Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Currency is much more than a simple medium of exchange. It holds the power to shape national identity, preserve history, and serve as a reminder of the values a country holds dear. In the Philippines, the designs of peso bills have traditionally been a celebration of its heroes and former presidents, immortalizing those who fought for the nation's freedom and independence. However, the recent unveiling of the new polymer banknotes by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has sparked intense debate across the country, with critics arguing that the new designs erase important historical figures from the public consciousness.
The Catalyst: ATOM's "ROAR" Walk
The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM), a civil society group dedicated to honoring the memory of the Philippines’ heroes, organized a powerful protest called the "ROAR" walk to voice their disapproval of the BSP’s decision to remove images of national heroes and former presidents from the new series of peso bills. For ATOM, this move represents not just a design change, but a deeper concern about how history is being erased in the name of modernization.
The group, which is deeply invested in preserving the legacy of historical figures like Andres Bonifacio, Jose Abad Santos, and Josefa Llanes Escoda, believes that these individuals should be enshrined on the nation's currency as a daily reminder to Filipinos of the sacrifices made for freedom. As one protester aptly put it: "I want to know my country's heroes. It's important for us to remember who they were and what they fought for."
The Shift to Polymer and Wildlife
In December 2024, the BSP unveiled the new polymer banknotes, which notably feature images of wildlife rather than the faces of national heroes. The ₱500 bill, for example, now depicts the Visayan spotted deer, while the ₱100 and ₱50 bills showcase the Palawan peacock-pheasant and Visayan leopard cat, respectively. The new polymer series is intended to highlight the Philippines' biodiversity and promote national pride through the depiction of local flora and fauna.
While the BSP defended the move, stating that the change aligns with their focus on sustainability and environmental awareness, the public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. Critics argue that removing national heroes from the bills is a significant cultural and historical loss, stripping away vital symbols of the country’s past.
Public Outcry and Political Debate
The backlash has been swift and fierce. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, one of the most vocal critics, has called for a Senate inquiry into the decision, questioning why the BSP would remove these historical figures from the national currency. For Pimentel and others, currency has long been a tool for education and cultural preservation, and removing heroes from the bills undermines that function. “National heroes should be preserved in every corner of Filipino life, including on our money," Pimentel said in a statement.
Former Senator Bam Aquino also voiced his concerns, highlighting that the removal of historical figures from currency could divide the public, especially those who see the figures on the bills as national symbols of pride. Aquino emphasized that the absence of these heroes on everyday items like money could lead to a diminished sense of connection to the country's history.
The debate has even drawn attention from historians and educators, who warn that the change could lead to future generations forgetting the sacrifices of Filipino heroes who fought for the nation’s independence and rights.
The BSP's Response
Despite the growing discontent, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno has defended the new designs, suggesting that the absence of historical figures on the bills should not diminish their status as heroes. He stressed that national heroes will remain heroes, whether or not their images are on currency. Diokno pointed to the shift towards promoting environmental sustainability, saying the new polymer notes were designed to showcase the country’s rich biodiversity and to raise awareness about conservation efforts.
Diokno further explained that the decision was made to provide a fresh, modern look to the country’s currency while also enhancing its durability and security. With the introduction of polymer banknotes, the BSP hopes to reduce the environmental impact of printing traditional paper bills, as polymer is more durable and longer-lasting.
The Larger Debate: History vs. Modernization
At the heart of this issue is a larger conversation about the balance between preserving history and embracing modernity. The Philippines, like many other nations, is grappling with how to honor its past while moving forward into the future. While the BSP’s decision to focus on wildlife and sustainability is part of a global trend toward environmental awareness, many Filipinos feel that the removal of their national heroes from currency undermines the country's identity and values.
For many, currency is not just about money—it's about pride, education, and respect for the country's history. The peso bills are a daily interaction for millions of Filipinos, and having images of national heroes on the bills served as a constant reminder of the nation’s shared history and collective struggles. The new polymer bills, while visually striking, do not carry the same emotional weight for many citizens.
A Divided Nation?
The debate over the new peso bills highlights a broader tension in Filipino society—how much of the past should we preserve in the face of modernization, and what role do symbols of history play in shaping national identity? For ATOM and other critics, the new banknotes symbolize a dangerous trend of erasing the memory of the Philippines' national heroes. The group remains committed to fighting for the return of these historical figures to the nation’s currency, hoping to preserve the legacy of those who fought for the freedoms they enjoy today.
In the end, the controversy over the peso bills underscores the fact that currency is not just a tool for economic exchange; it’s a reflection of who we are as a nation. What we place on our money matters because it reflects our values, our history, and our identity as a people. And as the "ROAR" walk demonstrated, many Filipinos are unwilling to let that history be erased.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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