The number of counterfeit banknotes documented by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) declined by 17 percent in 2025 as improved security features and wider public awareness strengthened the detection of fake currency, according to a report by Philstar Biz.
The BSP attributed the reduction to continuous upgrades in banknote security features, including enhanced watermarks, security threads, and tactile marks for the visually impaired. Public education campaigns also helped Filipinos better identify genuine currency, reducing the circulation of fakes.
The central bank emphasized that vigilance remains crucial, as counterfeiters constantly adapt. It urged the public to use the “feel, look, and tilt” method and report suspected fake notes to authorities. The decline marks a positive trend in the country’s anti-counterfeiting efforts.