BSP: Printing of banknotes illegal

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) cautions the public that reproducing images of Philippine banknotes is illegal.

“The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas warns the public that printing images bearing the facsimile or likeness of Philippine banknotes may result in legal action,” it said in a statement released on Wednesday.

According to BSP Circular 829, Series of 2014, reproducing the image of any legal tender Philippine currency banknotes, or any part of one, whether in black and white, color, or a combination of colors, without authority or license from the central bank is punishable by five to 10 years in prison.

The reminder follows the arrest of an individual suspected of selling money or cash envelopes using the picture and design of the 1000-Piso New Generation Currency bill by the National Bureau of Investigation and the BSP Payments and Currency Investigation Group (PCIG).

The Bangko Sentral said that the public may only be allowed to reproduce images of Philippine banknotes with its permission or approval for educational, historical, numismatic, newsworthy, or other relevant purposes that will maintain, promote, or enhance the currency’s integrity and dignity.

The public can contact the PCIG at pcig@bsp.gov.ph to request permission from the BSP to print or reproduce photographs of Philippine banknotes.