Republika ng Pilipinas
(Republic of The Philippines)
Bango Sentral ng Pilipinas
(Central Bank of The Philippines, Est.1949)
Currency - Piso (PHP)
On 19.12.2024, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines, Eli M. Remolona launched the three new polymer notes of 50, 100 and 500 piso. These three notes were complete the polymer series, since the first denomination of 1000 piso was introduced in 2022. For the three notes posted here, the 50 piso note is dated 2025, and the remaining two are dated 2024. For the purpose of this post, I have also included the 1000 piso issued earlier with the year date of 2024.
The message to the people for introducing polymer banknotes is that they are Smarter, Cleaner and Stronger: -
Smarter - It incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting features and also a smaller carbon footprint;
Cleaner - Virus and bacteria do not survive as long on polymer note that those paper banknotes; and
Stronger - In general, polymer can last 2.5 times longer that paper banknotes.
This series of polymer notes were released on 23.12.2024 but only available mainly in the Greater Manila area, and fully released to the public for circulation in the first quarter of 2025.
The central bank also announced that the 20 piso is not part of this new polymer series as it has since been replaced by a coin, and the 200 piso is also not included as this note is unpopular in the country since it was first introduced in 2010. The last 20 piso paper banknote was issued in 2023.
For this new polymer series, it features the country's biodiversity, and it showcase various aspects of the country's national pride. The features on the notes also help promoting the country;s identity.
Fifty Piso
President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.
Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)
Date - 2025
Dimensions - 160mm x 66mm
Front - The 50-piso polymer banknote highlights the endemic subspecies and vulnerable Visayan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis rabori), found in the islands of Panay, Negros, and Cebu. This elusive cat embodies strength, agility, curiosity, self-reliance, and independence. The banknote also features Vidal’s lanutan (Hibiscus campylosiphon), a large endemic flower with a red center, found across the country.
Back - The reverse side shows the Taal Lake and the native maliputo fish
(Caranx ignobilis), highlighting our rich aquatic biodiversity. It also
features an intricate embroidery design handcrafted in Batangas.
President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.
Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)
Date - 2024
Dimensions - 160mm x 66mm
Front - The 100-piso polymer banknote features the endemic and endangered Palawan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis) or tandikan. Representing strength, beauty, and grace, it is a strong flier with iridescent tail feathers. The banknote also shows the Ceratocentron fesselii, an endemic and critically endangered orchid with beautiful orange blooms, found in Luzon and Negros.
Back - The reverse side features the iconic Mayon Volcano and the native and endangered whale shark (Rhincodon typus), celebrating the country’s
natural grandeur. It also highlights an indigenous weave design from the Bicol Region.
President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.
Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)
Date - 2024
Dimensions -160mm x 66mm
Front - The 500-piso polymer banknote features the endemic and critically endangered Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi), which is
found in the lush rainforests of Panay and Negros. Known for keen senses, it symbolizes clarity and sharpness. Also showcased is the Acanthephippium mantinianum, an endemic orchid with red-striped, yellow flowers, found across Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Negros, and Leyte. It is believed that the Visayan deer is an endangered species of deer and with a popular of less than 3,000.
Back - The reverse side highlights the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the native and critically endangered blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), symbols of the country’s rich biodiversity, and an indigenous weave design from southern Philippines.
One Thousand Piso
President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr
Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)
Date - 2024
Dimensions - 161mm x 66.5mm
Front - The front features two main national symbols of the country. Firstly, is the Philippines Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). This is one of the rarest birds in the world, and it is believed that there are less than 500 birds in the country. The Philippines eagle represents the country's uniqueness, strength, power, and love for freedom, as well as a sharp
vision for the future. The other symbol is the Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac flower) in the form of a see-through window. The Sampaguita symbolises purity, simplicity, humility, and strength. On the right is another see-through window, and on the window, it features the National Coat of Arms, and beneath that is the new logo of the Central Bank of The Philippines.
Back - The design on the back is basically the same as the last paper banknote issued. On the left is the outline map of the Philippines. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Site, is printed on the background, with a turtle swimming and below that is a South Sea Pearl oyster. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is situated between the main island of Mindanao and the island of Palawan. A colourful Lion fish is also depicted swimming in the reef. On the right is the strip weaver design called T'nalak. This feature was first introduced on the 1000 piso paper note issued in 2020 as the Windowed Security Thread (WST).
