Washing, soaking money to disinfect violates the law, BSP warns (Sabong News)
Author
Marje Pelayo
Date
AUGUST 19 2020
2002
MANILA, Philippines —The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) advises the public to refrain from soaking banknotes in detergent soap, bleach solution and other chemicals.
(Refrain from soaking or misting paper bills or coins with soap, alcohol, bleach or other chemical solutions),” the agency said in its advisory.
The BSP said washing or laundering money may destroy its features and such an act would constitute a penalty under the Constitution.
(This method is considered an “act of mutilation or destruction of Philippine currency” and is punishable under the provision of PD. No. 247),” the agency added.
Fear of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to creative approaches to avoid infection.
However, the BSP says washing money is not a good idea.
Under Presidential Decree 247, any act of defacing, mutilating, tearing, burning or destroying central bank notes and coins incurs a fine of more than P20,000 and/or by imprisoned for not more than five years.
Instead of washing, the BSP recommends maintaining proper hygiene and practicing proper hand washing after touching bank notes and coins.
(To avoid the spread of COVID-19, it is important to practice proper hygiene and treat bank notes as regular objects that are frequently touched),” the agency said.
(Practice regular hand washing and refrain from touching your face after touching money),” it added.
