Heirs of World War II heroes Jose Abad Santos, Josefa Llanes Escoda, and Vicente Lim are up in arms against the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ new bill design, which removes any trace of the martyrs from the bill.
Desiree Ann Cua Benipayo, who is a direct descendant of Jose Abad Santos, has started a campaign on change.org urging the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to rethink the new design of the legal tender.
The new P1,000 bill shows the Philippine eagle taking the place of Abad Santos, Escoda and Lim.
“Love of country, self-sacrifice, and valor are but a few of the values that the Filipinos are reminded of every time they see the three World War II heroes on the 1k bill, something that the Philippine Eagle despite its majesty and splendor, cannot replace. Most importantly, the 1k bill is the only paper bill featuring martyrs, not politicians,” Benipayo said.
“To BSP Governor Diokno and the Monetary Board – why not put the Phil Eagle at the back of the bill? This way, you teach our citizens patriotism and love for the environment. Aren’t there a million other better things to do than mess up our notes and coins?,” she added.
