Banknotes and Coins

September 2017

1. Under what authority does the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

issue currency?

The BSP is the sole government institution mandated by law to issue

notes and coins for circulation in the Philippines. In particular, Section 50
of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7653, otherwise known as The New Central
Bank Act, stipulates that the BSP shall have the sole power and authority
to issue currency within the territory of the Philippines. It also issues legal
tender commemorative notes and coins.

2. How is currency issued to the public?

The Currency Issue and Integrity Office (CIIO) plans the currency orders
per denomination based on forecast of currency demand. The currency
order is submitted to the Security Plant Complex (SPC) for currency
production. The SPC delivers new BSP banknotes and coins to the CIIO
for issuance to the Cash Department (CD) and the Regional Monetary
Affairs Sub-Sector (RMASS). In turn, CD services withdrawals of notes
and coins of banks in Metro Manila, while RMASS takes charge of banks
in the regions through its 22 Regional Offices/Branches. Currency notes
and coins are eventually issued to the public when as depositors/clients,
the public withdraw their deposits from banks.

3. How does the BSP determine the volume/value of notes and coins to
be issued annually?

The annual volume/value of currency to be issued is projected based on

currency demand that is estimated from a set of economic indicators which
generally measure the country’s economic activity. Other variables
considered in estimating currency order include: required currency
reserves, unfit notes for replacement, and beginning inventory balance.
The denominational breakdown is determined using the historical percent
share of the demand for each denomination.

The BSP likewise established a Currency Management Committee to

oversee the entire cash cycle covering forecasting of currency demand to
currency distribution to ensure that the issuance of currency is consistent
with monetary policy and adequate to meet the demand for notes and
coins.

4. Is there a limit to the amount of notes and coins that the BSP may
issue?

The total amount of banknotes and coins that the BSP may issue should
not exceed the total assets of the BSP.

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5. What is the volume/value of currency notes and coins in circulation?

There are about 3.2 billion pieces of notes valued at P1,048 billion and
27.8 billion pieces of coins valued at P31.2 billion in circulation as of 31
August 2017.1

6. How does the BSP manage the “inter-convertibility” of Philippine

currency?

The BSP shall exchange, on demand and without charge, Philippine

currency of any denomination for Philippine notes and coins of any other
denomination requested by banks. If the BSP is temporarily unable to
provide notes and coins of the denominations requested, it shall meet its
obligations by delivering notes and coins of the denominations, which most
nearly approximate those requested as provided under Section 55 of R.A.
No. 7653.

7. What does “legal tender power” of a currency mean?

Legal tender power means that when the currency is offered in payment of
a debt, public or private, the same must be accepted.

8. Is there a limit to the legal tender power of Philippine currency notes

and coins?

Philippine currency notes have no limit to their legal tender power. In

particular, all notes and coins issued by the BSP shall be fully guaranteed
by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and shall be legal
tender in the Philippines for all debts, both public and private, as stipulated
under Section 52 of the New Central Bank Act. However, in the case of
coins in denomination of 1-, 5- and 10-piso they shall be legal tender in
amounts not exceeding P1,000.00 while coins in denomination of 1-, 5-
and 10- and 25- sentimo shall be legal tender in amounts not exceeding
P100.00, pursuant to BSP Circular No. 537, Series of 2006.

9. What is the restriction on currency import/export for Philippine Peso

notes and coins?

A person may import or export, bring in or take outside of the country, or

electronically transfer legal tender Philippine notes and coins, checks,
money orders or other bills of exchange in amounts not exceeding
P50,000. Prior authorization (from the BSP’s International Sub-Sector) is
required when the export or import of Philippine currency exceeds this
amount.

10. What is the New Generation Currency?

The New Generation Currency (NGC) is the banknote series launched

and issued by the BSP on 16 December 2010. The said series shall be

1
Excludes commemorative notes and coins

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September 2017
the only series that can be used as payment for goods and services that
has started on 1 January 2016.

The pictures and description of the NGC can be accessed at the BSP
website, www.bsp.gov.ph under the BSP Notes and Coins section.

11. What is demonetization of currency?

Demonetization is the process of removing the monetary value of a legal

tender currency by the issuing authority. Demonetized currency shall no
longer be accepted for payment of goods and services.

12. Under what authority does the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
demonetize currency?

Section 57 of R.A. No. 7653 provides that the Bangko Sentral may call in
for replacement notes of any series or denomination which are more than
five (5) years old and coins which are more than ten (10) years old.

Notes and coins called in for replacement shall remain legal tender for a
period of one year from the date of call. After this period, they shall cease
to be legal tender but during the following year, or for such longer period
as the Monetary Board may determine, they may be exchanged at par
and without charge in the Bangko Sentral and by agents duly authorized
by the Bangko Sentral for this purpose. After the expiration of this latter
period, the notes and coins which have not been exchanged shall cease
to be a liability of the Bangko Sentral and shall be demonetized.

13. What banknote series is being demonetized?

The New Design Series (NDS) banknotes, which was issued starting in
1985, shall no longer have value and considered demonetized after 30
June 2017. The pictures and descriptions of the NDS banknotes can be
viewed at the BSP website, www.bsp.gov.ph under the BSP Notes and
Coins section.

Only NDS banknotes in the custody of overseas Filipinos (OFs), Filipino

immigrants and non-residents registered in the Online Registration for
NDS Banknotes System can be submitted for exchange with the BSP. In
particular, NDS banknote holdings of OFs, Filipino immigrants and non-
residents that were registered from 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2016
can be exchanged with NGC banknotes within one (1) year from date of
registration at any BSP office. On the other hand, NDS banknotes
registered from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2017 can be submitted for
exchange with NGC banknotes until 31 December 2017 at any BSP
office. The NDS banknote exchange facility provided by the BSP shall be
limited to PHP50,000.00 for each OF/Filipino immigrant/non-resident.

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Similarly, for OFs who are situated in war torn countries, the deadline for
exchange is until 31 December 2017, subject to the P50,000.00 limit for
each OF. There is no need for them to register.

14. What are the general features of Philippine coins?

Denomination Material Color Shape/Edge

10-Piso Ring: Cupro- Ring: White Round/Interrupted
Nickel Core: Yellow Serration
Core: Nickel
Brass
5-Piso Nickel Brass Pale Yellow Round/Plain (design
bordered by 12-
scallop)
1-Piso Nickel-Plated Grayish Round/Reeded
Steel White
25-Sentimo Brass-Plated Yellow Round/Plain
Steel
10-Sentimo Copper-Plated Copper Red Round/Reeded
Steel
5-Sentimo Copper-Plated Copper Red Round/Plain (with 4
Steel mm. central hole)
1-Sentimo Copper-Plated Copper Red Round/Plain
Steel

15. Is the 1-sentimo coin still in existence?

Yes. The 1-sentimo coin is part of the seven-coin denomination structure

of the Philippine peso.

16. Is there a shortage of low-denomination coins?

None. Of the 27.8 billion pieces of coins valued at P31.2 billion in

circulation as of 31 August 2017,2 about 56 percent are low-denomination
coins (i.e., 1-, 5-, 10- and 25-Sentimo). The number of coins in circulation
is equivalent to 271 pieces per Filipino.3

17. Why does the public sometimes perceive a lack of coins? What has
the BSP done about it?

There is no actual shortage of coins as there are 27.8 billion pieces of

coins in circulation. Artificial shortage of coins may occur because of the
common practice by people of keeping coins idle in piggy banks, drawers,
wallets, jars, etc., and not re-circulating them. In a recent investigation
conducted by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) agents, there is an
increased demand for 1-piso coins due to their use in “Automatic Tubig

2
Excludes commemorative coins
3
Based on Philippine Statistics Authority’s population projection of 102.669 million for 2016.

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Machines” and coin games which contribute to inefficiency in the
circulation of coins.

Some groups in the past had tried to smuggle our 1-piso coins but were
not successful. BSP had documented cases of illegal hoarding for melting
and shipment to other countries. These illegal activities were closely
monitored by the Bureau of Customs and BSP agents.

To address the perceived shortage of coins by the public, the BSP

launched the Coin Recirculation Program to promote regular use of coins
and to raise funds to benefit public elementary schools and the needy for
their shelter needs, i.e., Tulong Barya Para sa Eskwela and Tulong Barya
Para sa Gawad Kalinga. As part of the Program, the BSP continuously
conducts information/awareness campaigns to make all sectors of society
fully realize the importance of coins and develop the habit of regularly
using them in payment of goods and services and in giving exact change.

18. If there are individuals who turn the 5-sentimo coin, which has a hole
in the center into a necklace, will they be violating any laws?

Yes. Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 247 prohibits and penalizes

defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning or destruction of notes and coins.
Thus, application of outside pressure, substance or chemicals that may
cause deformation, destruction or change in the original state/shape/color
of the coin is a violation of P.D. No 247.

If the 5-sentimo legal tender coin which has a hole at the center is used
plainly as pendant of a necklace without any defacement or destruction
done/made on the coin, there would be no violation. However, its purpose
as a means of payment for any goods and services was undermined.

19. What is seigniorage?

Seigniorage is the difference between the face value of the currency

note/coin and the cost of printing/minting.

20. What does the BSP do with unfit and mutilated currency?

The BSP withdraws from circulation the unfit/mutilated currency and

demonetizes/retires the same by destruction through shredding.

21. Does the BSP have a directive to banks not to re-circulate unfit bills?

BSP Circular No. 829, Series of 2014, contains the consolidated rules
and regulations on currency notes and coins, which includes among
others, the provision on the treatment of unfit and mutilated bills, more
particularly quoted hereunder:

“Section 20. Currency notes and coins considered unfit for circulation shall
not be recirculated, but may be presented for exchange to or deposited
with any bank.”

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22. Are banks required to accept mutilated currency notes and coins for
redemption/deposit?

Yes. BSP Circular No. 829, Series of 2014, requires banks to accept
mutilated currency notes and coins for referral/transmittal to the Currency
Issue and Integrity Office (CIIO), BSP-SPC, Diliman, Quezon City or any
of the BSP’s regional offices/branches for determination of redemption
value. Banks may charge reasonable handling fees from clients and/or
the general public relative to the handling/transporting to BSP of mutilated
notes and coins.

23. Are banks required to accept non-mutilated coins for deposit?

Yes. BSP Circular No. 897, Series of 2016, provides that banks shall
accept, without handling fees or charges, non-mutilated coins for deposit,
regardless of denomination, from the public.

24. Does the BSP have a handbook or circular containing laws on

currency notes and coins?

Yes. BSP Circular No. 829, Series of 2014 or the Rules and Regulations
on Currency Notes and Coins can be downloaded from the BSP website,
www.bsp.gov.ph under the Publication and Research Section.

25. Why is the BSP concerned with currency integrity?

Corollary to its currency issue power, the BSP is also mandated under
Section 50 of R.A. No. 7653 to preserve and maintain currency integrity.

26. How does BSP preserve and maintain the integrity of the currency?

Under Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as “The New Central Bank
Act”, the BSP is vested with police authority to investigate, make arrests,
and conduct searches and seizures in accordance with law, for the
purpose of maintaining the integrity of the currency.

The BSP also conducts information dissemination campaigns to train cash

handlers and familiarize the general public on the security features of
genuine Philippine currency notes and coins and other acceptable foreign
currencies. At the same time, BSP advocacies such as the Clean Note
Policy, Coin Recirculation Program, Revised Reward System and other
related campaigns are promoted. The 22 BSP Regional Offices and
Branches also conduct information dissemination campaigns throughout
the Philippines to familiarize the public on the features of the Philippine
currency and promote currency-related advocacies.

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27. How does one handle receipt of counterfeit money?

Any person or entity, public or private, who receives a note or coin which
is counterfeit or whose genuineness is questionable whether Philippine or
foreign currency shall:
 Issue temporary receipt to the owner/holder indicating the name,
address, community tax certificate or the passport number, if
foreigner;
 Indicate further the date of receipt, denomination, serial number in the
note or series in case of coins;
 Require the owner/holder to countersign the receipt; in case of refusal,
state the reason therein;
 The counterfeit money must be forwarded for examination/appropriate
action within five (5) working days after the receipt to the CIIO, BSP,
East Avenue, Quezon City. In case personal delivery to CIIO is not
feasible, delivery of said notes and coins may be made through the
BSP’s regional offices/branches or any banking institution under the
supervision of the BSP;
 If the situation warrants, report to the CIIO-BSP, the Philippine
National Police (PNP) or other law enforcement agencies for filing of
appropriate criminal charges for violation of pertinent articles in the
Revised Penal Code on counterfeiting.

28. What does the BSP do with the fake bills?

Pursuant to Section 6 of Circular No. 829 Series of 2014, all notes and
coins, whether Philippine or foreign, determined by the CIIO, BSP to be
counterfeit currency, shall not be returned to the owner/holder, but shall
be retained and later disposed of in accordance with such guidelines as
may be adopted by the BSP, except those which will be used as evidence
in an investigation or legal proceedings, in which case, the same shall be
retained and preserved by the BSP for evidentiary purposes.

29. What if the person, who has the counterfeit currency, refuses to turn
in the counterfeit currency?

The individual who is requesting the turning in of counterfeit notes should

convince and explain to the holder that keeping counterfeit currency will
cause legal problems. If the holder of counterfeit note continues to refuse
the handover of the counterfeit note, the matter should be reported to the
nearest police agency/law enforcer, for appropriate action.

30. Does the public have the right to bring the case to the police?

Yes. Section 5 of Rule 113 of the Rules of Court provides that a peace
officer or a private person may, without a warrant, arrest a person:

(a) When, in his presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is

actually committing, or is attempting to commit an offense; and

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(b) When an offense has just been committed, and he has probable
cause to believe based on personal knowledge of facts or
circumstances that the person to be arrested has committed it.

In cases falling under paragraph (a) and (b) above, the person arrested
without a warrant shall be forthwith surrendered to the nearest police
station or jail in accordance with section 7 of Rule 112.4

31. Does the BSP offer reward for information on counterfeiting

activities?

Yes. In 2004, the BSP Revised Reward System was launched designed
to encourage public support and participation and to ensure better
chances of successful anti-counterfeiting operations. The said system
provides financial reward to persons who give information on
counterfeiting activities of unscrupulous individuals that led to their arrest,
seizure/confiscation of counterfeit currencies and counterfeiting
paraphernalia and the filing of appropriate charges in court. The coverage
of the BSP Revised Reward System was further expanded on 12
February 2009 to include information involving the hoarding and
mutilation/destruction of Philippine currency coins.

32. What do we do when we catch a person writing/putting marks in

banknotes?

In case you caught a person writing/putting marks in banknotes, please

warn or inform the person of the Anti-mutilation Law or Presidential
Decree No. 247 which prohibits and penalizes the act of currency
defacement (writing/putting marks), mutilation, burning, tearing or any
manner showing act of wilful/intentional mutilation.

Should the act becomes habitual to a particular person, the matter should
be reported to the nearest police agency/law enforcer, for appropriate
action or contact the Currency Issue and Integrity Office, BSP for
assistance at Tel. Nos.: 988-4833 and 926-5092.

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Section 7. When accused lawfully arrested without warrant. — When a person is lawfully arrested without a warrant involving
an offense which requires a preliminary investigation, the complaint or information may be filed by a prosecutor without need
of such investigation provided an inquest has been conducted in accordance with existing rules. In the absence or unavailability
of an inquest prosecutor, the complaint may be filed by the offended party or a peace office directly with the proper court on
the basis of the affidavit of the offended party or arresting officer or person.

Before the complaint or information is filed, the person arrested may ask for a preliminary investigation in accordance with this
Rule, but he must sign a waiver of the provisions of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, in the presence of his
counsel. Notwithstanding the waiver, he may apply for bail and the investigation must be terminated within fifteen (15) days
from its inception.

After the filing of the complaint or information in court without a preliminary investigation, the accused may, within five (5)
days from the time he learns of its filing, ask for a preliminary investigation with the same right to adduce evidence in his
defense as provided in this Rule.

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