AS the polymer banknote started its limited circulation earlier this year, local police have issued a reminder to the public on the use and safekeeping of the new peso bills.
The polymer banknote, which are exclusive at P1,000 bills, started circulation in April 2022 in a response to the pressing public health and safety concerns due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
BSP said the note is supposedly less susceptible to viral and bacterial transmission, and can be sanitized without damaging the bills.
While the new bank note is safer for the public's health, the Central Luzon Regional Police Community Affairs and Development Unit reminded that extra care is needed to prevent any types of mutilation.
Among the prohibited acts that may be done to the polymer note includes writing, stapling, folding, cutting, ironing or tying it with a rubber band.
It warned that willful defacement, mutilation, ripping, burning or destruction of Philippine banknotes and coins is illegal under the Presidential Decree 247 or the Central Bank Act.
Those who will be caught violating the law can be punished with up to five years in prison and a fine of not more than P20,000.