This comes after the recent unveiling of new polymer notes resulted backlash.
In a statement posted on their social media page, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reiterated that the banknote series that feature the country’s heroes “remain in circulation.”
“The banknote with historical figures will circulate alongside the newly launched “First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series,” which showcases country’s rich biodiversity,” it said.
The BSP also defended itself from the critcisms, writing that it “has always featured the country’s heroes and natural wonders in banknotes and coins.”
“Featuring different symbols of national pride on our banknotes and coins reflects numismatic dynamism and artistry, and promotes appreciation of the Filipino idenity,” the central bank ended its statement.
The said post comes after the recent unveiling of new denominations of the polymer notes, specifically the Php 50, Php 100, and Php 500 bills.
These new denoms will begin general circulation in early 2025, but limited quantities will be introduced on Monday, December 23, in time for the nearing Christmas day.
Instead of past Filipino political figures, the new banknotes will highlight endangered animals endemic to the Philippines.
The Php 50 polymer bill will have the Visayan leopard cat. The Palawan peacock-pheasant will be in the new Php 100, while the Visayan spotted deer is in the Php 500.
They respectively replaced President Sergio Osmeña in the 50-peso bill, President Manuel Roxas in the 100-peso bill, and President Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino and Senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino in the 500-peso bill.
The change has resulted to the Aquino family’s negative reaction, with Cory and Ninoy’s grandson Kiko Aquino Dee speaking up on their behalf.
Dee wrote, “The Marcos administration has demonstrated that they don’t care about accountability, healthcare or education.”
“Now, they are changing our bamknotes, a move started by the Duterte administration, so they don’t have to look our heroes in the eye while betraying their sacrifices,” he added.
“They cannot do better. But our heroes remind us that the Filipino can,” the young Aquino finished his statement.
It was back in 2022 when the BSP introduced a new Php 1000 bill, which replaced heroes Jose Abad Santos, Josefa Llanes-Escoda, and Vicente Lim with the icon of the Philippine eagle.