Philippine bank notes are not as widely recognized as U.S. dollars or the Euro. The first Philippine bank notes date back to the 1850s and those bore the portrait of Queen Isabella II, reflecting the Philippines' Spanish heritage. You will not see the queen on today's currency, but you can still detect Philippine bank notes with a few tips.
Look for Tagalog or Filipino phrasing. All Philippine bank notes will have the phrase "Republika Ng Pilipinas," which means Republic of the Philippines, on the front of the bill. Also, the monetary denominations will be followed by the word "piso," which is the Tagalog word for peso. The Philippines was colonized by Spain and Philippine currency reflects that past.
Identify Philippine heroes, presidents and landmarks on commonly used currency. If you're familiar with Philippine history, you will be able to spot Manuel Quezon, the first Philippine President, on the front of the 20 peso bill and the Malacañang Palace, the presidential residence, on the back of the same bill. Other famous combinations found on Philippine currency include: former President Sergio Osmena and the former Senate Building on the 50 peso bill, former President Manuel Roxas and the Central Bank of the Philippines on the100 peso bill, national hero Benigno Aquino and illustrations depicting the democratic ideals he represented on the 500 peso bill, and a trio of patriots---Jose Abad Santos, Vicente Lim and Josefa Llanes Escoda---along with the Banaue Rice Terraces, often described as the eighth wonder of the world, on the 1,000 peso bill.
Check for the hologram. Unfortunately, counterfeiting currency is a popular crime in the Philippines. To detect legitimate banknotes, hold the bill up to light and check for a hologram, typically the face of a Philippine leader.
