PHILIPPINE HEROES ON BANKNOTES: REPLACEMENT WITH ANIMALS SPARKS DEBATE

A civil society group, August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM), criticized the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for phasing out banknotes featuring Philippine heroes in favor of polymer bills showcasing animals and plants. The group highlighted that P1,000 bills with heroes have not been printed under the current administration. BSP defended the change, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and Filipino identity alongside heroes. ATOM questioned if this shift undermines the legacy of resistance and sacrifices by past heroes. They also raised concerns about the cultural implications, urging the BSP to balance historical significance and modernization.