BSP warns public that reproducing PH banknotes are prohibited
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas issued a reminder that reproducing Philippine banknotes without prior authorization is prohibited by law after social media posts falsely claimed that photocopied money could be used to pay for goods.
In its July 11 statement, the central bank reminded the public that Circular No. 829, Series of 2014, prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of Philippine banknotes.
"No person or entity may print, photocopy, distribute, or use any image or facsimile of a Philippine banknote, whether in black and white, in color, or in any combination of colors, without prior BSP authorization," it said.
The offense carries a prison term of five to 10 years.
However, the BSP may authorize the reproduction of Philippine banknotes for educational, historical, or numismatic purposes, subject to the conditions set under the circular.
The reminder came after several social media users had mocked the trial's legal arguments during the second day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. While users mockingly claimed that photocopied banknotes are now "as good as original" legal tender, they unwittingly admitted to the illegal act of reproducing Philippine currency.
The viral trend stemmed from a dispute over digital evidence presented by the House prosecution. During the proceedings, House prosecution lawyer Amando Virgil Ligutan submitted printed copies of digital records to support the testimony of the witness, NBI senior agent John Mark Calilung. Defense counsel Atty. Carlo Narvasa objected, arguing that the prosecution was presenting photocopies instead of the original electronic data.
The impeachment court cited the Supreme Court's ruling in February 2025 that duplicate or photocopied documents may be admitted as evidence, provided there is no genuine dispute over the authenticity of the original document.
