By I. Inojales | 10:49 PM July 12, 2026
MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has reminded the public that reproducing Philippine banknotes without prior authorization is prohibited by law, following the spread of social media posts falsely claiming that photocopied peso bills can be used to pay for goods and services.
In an advisory issued on Saturday, the BSP stressed that duplicating Philippine currency, including through photocopying, is illegal and cannot be used as legal tender.
The clarification came after online posts misinterpreted a statement made by House prosecution lawyer Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Ligutan had explained that, under certain legal circumstances, a photocopied document may be treated as an original piece of evidence in court. Some social media users incorrectly applied the statement to Philippine banknotes.
Citing BSP Circular No. 829, Series of 2014, the central bank said that no individual 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.
The BSP warned that violations of the circular carry severe penalties, including a mandatory prison term of five to 10 years.
The central bank added that reproductions of Philippine banknotes may only be authorized for educational, historical, or numismatic purposes that promote currency integrity and only under the conditions prescribed by the circular.
The BSP urged the public to rely on official government advisories and avoid spreading misleading information regarding the country’s currency.
