Grandson of Ninoy and Cory Aquino Reacts to New Philippine Banknotes
KIKO AQUINO DEE – The grandson of the late Senator Ninoy Aquino and former President Cory Aquino released a statement regarding the new Philippine banknotes, which no longer feature images of prominent Filipinos, including his grandparents. The new polymer banknote series, launched by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on December 19, 2024, introduces redesigned ₱50, ₱100, and ₱500 bills.
In a statement issued on December 20, Dee argued that the decision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration to change the banknotes was aimed at avoiding the need to acknowledge the country’s “heroes” while betraying their sacrifices. He further criticized the administration, stating that it demonstrated a lack of concern for accountability, healthcare, and education.
“They cannot do better. But our heroes remind us that the Filipino people can,” Dee added.
Ninoy Aquino was a senator and a vocal critic of the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the current president. He was one of the first to be arrested after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. Meanwhile, Cory Aquino became president after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, which ousted the Marcos family from Malacañang.
Previously, the images of Ninoy and Cory Aquino were printed on the ₱500 bill, symbolizing their fight for democracy and freedom in the country. The removal of these images in the new banknotes has sparked controversy, particularly among Aquino supporters and the Aquino family, who feel this represents a disregard for their contributions and sacrifices.
Meanwhile, the Philippines began using polymer banknotes in 2022. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) launched the first polymer banknote, the ₱100 bill, on February 17, 2022, as part of an effort to improve the durability and security of the country’s currency. This was followed by the release of the first full polymer series in December 2024, which included redesigned ₱50, ₱100, and ₱500 bills.