BSP, PNP file charges against five individuals   for defacing, mutilating banknotes

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently filed criminal complaints against five individuals who were seen willfully defacing and mutilating Philippine currency banknotes on social media.

The BSP Payments and Currency Investigation Group and the PNP Quezon City Police District – Anti-Cybercrime Team filed the charges before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

In separate videos that were posted on social media, the five individuals were seen willfully tearing, piercing, defacing, or destroying legal tender Philippine currency banknotes.

These individuals were charged with violation of Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 247, in relation to Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), as amended, and Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act).

P.D. No. 247 penalizes the willful defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning, or destruction of Philippine currency by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine not exceeding PHP 20,000.00.

Meanwhile, under Article 154 of the RPC, as amended, persons who, by any means of publication, encourage disobedience to the law are penalized by imprisonment and fine.

Moreover, R.A. No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) penalizes all crimes covered by the RPC and special laws, if committed through or with the use of information and communication technologies, with a penalty at least one degree higher than that provided by the RPC and special laws, as the case may be.

The BSP urges the public to handle all Philippine banknotes and coins with due respect and dignity, and to protect their integrity as part of the country’s rich culture and heritage.