The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s new polymer banknotes, featuring native animals and plants instead of national heroes, have sparked a heated debate. The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) is questioning the BSP’s decision, arguing that the removal of heroes’ images from the banknotes constitutes a form of historical erasure.
ATOM points to the discontinued P1000 bill featuring Jose Abad Santos, Vicente Lim, and Josefa Llanes Escoda as evidence of a larger trend. They claim that the BSP’s explanation – that the new designs are in addition to, not a replacement of, existing bills – is unconvincing, citing the lack of new P1000 bills with the old design in circulation. They fear that eventually, only banknotes featuring animals will remain, effectively diminishing the representation of Filipino heroes on currency.
The BSP, however, maintains that the new designs celebrate the country’s biodiversity alongside its heroes. Atty. Sarah Severina Curtis stated that the new banknotes are meant to showcase various aspects of Filipino identity, including the nation’s rich biodiversity. However, she failed to clarify whether P1000 bills with the old design will continue to be printed.
ATOM counters that the images of heroes on banknotes serve as a valuable mini-history lesson, reminding Filipinos of the sacrifices made throughout history to secure the freedoms enjoyed today. They highlight the significance of figures like Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Manuel Quezon, and Ninoy Aquino, whose images previously appeared on banknotes, representing different eras of resistance and nation-building. ATOM questions whether the value of protecting endangered species outweighs the legacy of these national heroes. The group’s rhetorical question about renaming Ninoy Aquino International Airport underscores their concern about the perceived devaluation of historical figures.
