MANILA, Philippines - Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel lll, today asked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to explain why the P1000 and P100 bills are very similar and almost identical to each other.
Pimentel issued the call after receiving numerous complaints from the public about confusion arising from similarity between the P1000 and P100 banknotes, known as the New Generation Currency (NGC).
On social media, netizens have expressed their stories how the P1000 and P100 banknotes are being interchanged in some situations.
"The BSP should explain why they are too similar and state if there are plans to improve the situation," said Pimentel, citing cases of people who claimed of confusion between the P1000 and P100 bills in circulation.
Pimentel said under the new Central Bank Act (RA No. 7653), the BSP may call in for replacement notes of any series or denomination which are more than five years old and coins which are more than ten years old.
BSP records showed that as of Dec. 31 2014, there were about 22.553 billion pieces of coins valued at P25.833 billion and 3,393 billion pieces of banknotes valued at P903.406 billion that had been issued.
The NGC bills, launched by the BSP in December 2010, will be the currency in circulation starting in January next year as the old banknotes which have not been exchanged by December 2016 would cease to be the liability of the BSP.
Pimentel said the public noted that the design of the P1000 and P100 bills are very similar or almost identical particularly when the NGC banknotes are crumpled or have undergone normal wear and tear.
But the BSP claimed that the NGC series is user-friendly and allow easy identification of each denomination because of the dominant color retained, using distinct and primary inks.
He added that the BSP has also introduced several security features such as the intaglio-printed front side of the currency to give an embossed feel and help the visually-impaired differentiate each denomination.
Big numerals corresponding to the denominational value are also printed on both sides of the NGC banknotes in addition to new and enhanced security features to protect the currency against counterfeiters.
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| 1000 peso banknote has same shading as P100 bill |
Pimentel issued the call after receiving numerous complaints from the public about confusion arising from similarity between the P1000 and P100 banknotes, known as the New Generation Currency (NGC).
On social media, netizens have expressed their stories how the P1000 and P100 banknotes are being interchanged in some situations.
Central Bank should consider changing the color of 100 & 1000 peso bill. I know one who gave a 1000 peso bill by mistake thinking it's 100
— Noem Lardizabal-Dado (@momblogger) May 9, 2015
In dimly-lit areas in the market, sometimes the vendors are victims of buyers who pay them with 100 peso bill for a 1000 worth of products.
— Jacque Manabat (@jacquemanabat) April 24, 2014
Photo: I thought I only have 100 pesos on my wallet, but then twas 1000 peso bill. #lookalike kase 😷✌️👍 http://t.co/SQGKkYICym
— Jonalyn Marantan⚓️ (@senyoritajona) October 10, 2013
having a difficult time distinguishing the color of the new 1000 from the old 100 peso bill #colorblind.
— mark laguna (@marklaguna) January 2, 2013
Yung cashier sa loading station, she accidentally gave me one new 1000 peso bill instead na 100 peso bill. #fail
— jomahjingx (@itsusjomahjingx) February 26, 2012
"The BSP should explain why they are too similar and state if there are plans to improve the situation," said Pimentel, citing cases of people who claimed of confusion between the P1000 and P100 bills in circulation.
Pimentel said under the new Central Bank Act (RA No. 7653), the BSP may call in for replacement notes of any series or denomination which are more than five years old and coins which are more than ten years old.
BSP records showed that as of Dec. 31 2014, there were about 22.553 billion pieces of coins valued at P25.833 billion and 3,393 billion pieces of banknotes valued at P903.406 billion that had been issued.
The NGC bills, launched by the BSP in December 2010, will be the currency in circulation starting in January next year as the old banknotes which have not been exchanged by December 2016 would cease to be the liability of the BSP.
Pimentel said the public noted that the design of the P1000 and P100 bills are very similar or almost identical particularly when the NGC banknotes are crumpled or have undergone normal wear and tear.
But the BSP claimed that the NGC series is user-friendly and allow easy identification of each denomination because of the dominant color retained, using distinct and primary inks.
He added that the BSP has also introduced several security features such as the intaglio-printed front side of the currency to give an embossed feel and help the visually-impaired differentiate each denomination.
Big numerals corresponding to the denominational value are also printed on both sides of the NGC banknotes in addition to new and enhanced security features to protect the currency against counterfeiters.
