New Philippine Peso Banknotes draw Criticism
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The August Twenty One movement (ATOM),a group known for its members’ role in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution,has voiced its disapproval of the redesigned polymer Philippine peso banknotes. In a statement released on Friday, the group expressed concern over the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s decision too omit a famous quote by national Hero Jose Rizal.
Rizal’s quote, “I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land. You who have it to see, welcome it — adn forget not those who have fallen during the night!”, was deemed unsuitable for the new banknotes by the BSP.
ATOM sharply criticized this decision, posing a series of rhetorical questions: “Seriously, are we really going to forget those who have fallen during the night? Do we really wont a country devoid of heroes? Are we better off forgetting them? Are they trying to make us forget that the blood of heroes runs in our veins so they can replace it with the blood of slaves and let tyrants rule again?”
The legacy of Philippine heroes is being fiercely defended amidst a recent redesign of the country’s banknotes. While the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) unveiled new polymer banknotes showcasing the nation’s wildlife on Thursday, the move has sparked controversy. Critics argue that replacing the images of national heroes on the banknotes is an attempt to diminish their contributions and rewrite history.
A Nation Divided Over Banknote Redesign
The decision to replace the faces of national heroes like Jose rizal and Andres Bonifacio with images of wildlife has drawn strong criticism from various sectors. Groups like “Ang Tao Mismo” (ATOM) have vehemently opposed the change, decrying it as an attempt to erase the memory of those who fought for the country’s freedom. ATOM,formed in response to the assassination of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983, a pivotal event that led to the 1986 EDSA People power Revolution, stated:
“The dictator’s family has been hard at work trying to rewrite history and erase from our collective memory the heroes who bravely fought for our freedom.”
The group emphasized the enduring power of historical figures, saying, “May the legacy and spirit of all our martyrs and leaders about to be removed from our bills continue to be remembered and serve as inspiration in the hearts of our people…Ultimately, it is indeed the people who decide. And Ninoy,just like Rizal,believed that we can only win freedom by deserving it. And when the people reach these heights, God provides the weapon, and the idols and the tyrants fall like a house of cards and freedom shines in the first dawn.”
Historian and columnist Michael Charleston “Xiao” Chua echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that no attempt to deface the image of heroes can diminish their contributions to the nation. “No defacement of our heroes will take away the lessons they left behind and the spirit of nation-building that they exemplified,” Chua asserted.
New Banknotes and Legal tender
the BSP has clarified that the new polymer banknotes featuring Philippine wildlife – released in denominations of P50, P100, and P500 – are intended to complement existing banknotes. The P1,000 banknote, which was already redesigned with a wildlife theme in 2022, remains in circulation.The BSP underscored that banknotes featuring national heroes are still legal tender and will continue to be used.
## New Peso Banknotes Spark Controversy
**[Intro Music]**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Insights. Today, we’re diving into a debate that’s stirring passion and controversy in the Philippines – the redesign of the Philippine peso banknotes. Joining me today is [Alex Reed Name], a respected historian and commentator on Filipino society. [Alex Reed Name], thank you for joining us.
**Alex Reed:** it’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** The new polymer banknotes have been met with mixed reactions,with some praising their durability and security features.However, the decision to omit a famous quote by national hero Jose Rizal from the redesigned notes has sparked significant criticism. Can you shed some light on this controversy?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. the quote, “I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land. You who have it to see, welcome it — and forget not those who have fallen during the night,” is deeply meaningful to Filipinos. It speaks to Rizal’s unwavering love for his country and his sacrifice for its freedom. Removing it from the banknotes feels like an erasure of that history and a disrespect to Rizal’s legacy.
**Host:** The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has stated that the quote was deemed unsuitable for the new design. What are your thoughts on their rationale?
**Alex Reed:** It’s unclear precisely why the BSP finds the quote unsuitable. Though, some speculate that it might be considered too politically charged or that they aim for a more modern and minimalist aesthetic. Whatever the reason, I believe it’s a grave miscalculation. The quote is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Filipinos for their independence and should be celebrated,not silenced.
**Host:** Groups like the August Twenty one Movement (ATOM), known for their role in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, have been particularly vocal in their disapproval.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. ATOM’s condemnation reflects the deep-seated concern within Filipino society about the removal of this vital quote. Their rhetorical questions – “Are we really going to forget those who have fallen during the night?” “Do we really want a country devoid of heroes?” – poignantly highlight the risk of historical amnesia and the importance of remembering our past struggles.
**Host:** So,what’s the next step?
**Alex Reed:** I believe it’s crucial for the BSP to engage in a genuine dialog with the Filipino people and be transparent about their reasoning. If their concerns are defensible, they need to be communicated effectively.However, if this decision is simply a matter of stylistic preference, I urge them to reconsider and reinstate the quote. Honoring our national heroes and history should be paramount.
**Host:** Wise words indeed. Thank you for sharing your insights, [Alex Reed Name].This is certainly a debate worth watching.
**[Outro Music]**
## Remembering Our Heroes: A Conversation about the Redesigned Philippine Peso
**(Archyde News)**
**Introduction:**
the recent redesign of Philippine Peso banknotes has sparked a heated debate, with manny questioning the removal of iconic images of national heroes and their replacement with depictions of wildlife. Today, we’re joined by [Alex Reed Name], a prominent historian and advocate for preserving national heritage, to discuss this controversial issue.
**Archyde:** Thank you for joining us, [Alex Reed Name]. The newly released polymer banknotes featuring Philippine wildlife have certainly generated a strong reaction.
What are your thoughts on the decision to replace the images of national heroes like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me. I believe this decision reflects a concerning trend of downplaying the importance of our nation’s heroes and their sacrifices. These figures represent the very foundation of our independence and identity.While I appreciate the BSP’s intentions to highlight our country’s biodiversity, I firmly believe that doing so at the expense of our heroes sends the wrong message.
**Archyde:** Groups like ATOM, known for their role in the 1986 People Power Revolution, have strongly condemned this move, viewing it as an attempt to rewrite history. Do you share their concerns?
**[Alex Reed name]:** Absolutely. History is not just about facts and dates; its about understanding the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our nation. Erasing or relegating our heroes to the sidelines sends a dangerous message, especially to younger generations. We must remember and honor those who fought for our freedom, not try to erase their legacy.
**Archyde:**
The BSP has emphasized that banknotes featuring national heroes remain legal tender and will continue to circulate alongside the new designs. do you see this as a sufficient compromise?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** While it’s reassuring that the old banknotes will not be discarded, I don’t believe it fully addresses the issue. the act of replacing those faces from prominent positions on the new banknotes creates a symbolic shift in our national consciousness. It sends a subtle message about whose contributions are deemed most critically important.
**Archyde:** What would you recommend as a way forward?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** I believe we need a broader conversation about how we choose to represent our national identity.Perhaps we can consider alternative approaches that both celebrate our biodiversity and pay proper homage to our heroes.This could involve incorporating both themes within the design, showcasing the interconnectedness of nature and the human spirit that shaped our nation.
**Archyde:**
Thank you for sharing your insightful perspectives on this important issue, [Alex Reed Name]. This debate underscores the need for a thoughtful and nuanced approach to how we remember and honor our past.
**Outro:**
The redesign of philippine banknotes has ignited a powerful dialog about national identity and past remembrance. While opinions may differ on the best way to represent the country’s heritage, the conversation itself is essential to ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to shape a brighter future.
