Philippine lawmakers have launched measures calling for central banks to construct strategic Bitcoin reserves, marking considered one of Southeast Asia’s most bold crypto coverage proposals.
Rep. Migz Villafuerte launched the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act in June, buying 2,000 Bitcoin (BTC) per yr for over 5 years, in sought the nation’s central financial institution, Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP).
At present costs, the plan prices greater than $1.1 billion and establishes a ten,000 BTC reserve trapped in belief for a minimum of 20 years.
Bids for monetary safety
The proposal outlines the “Bitcoin Buy Program” that may make BSP a long-term holder of digital property. Reserves are prohibited from being bought or transferred besides within the case of retired authorities debt.
Villafuerte described Bitcoin as a contemporary strategic asset that may diversify the nation’s steadiness sheet, improve monetary safety, and examine it to digital gold.
The measure additionally requires central banks to implement an absorption certification system, with quarterly public disclosures detailing holdings, transactions and custody preparations.
International Context
If established, the Philippines may outweigh El Salvador’s 6,276 Bitcoin Holdings and rival Bhutan, which owns round 10,565 cash.
El Salvador has been main international adoption since declaring Bitcoin’s authorized forex in 2021, however Bhutan’s sovereign funding division has quietly gathered massive reserves.
On the present degree, practically $116,850 per coin, the Philippines’ proposed reserve represents a considerable sovereignty dedication to Bitcoin, positioning the nation among the many world’s largest national-level holders.
The invoice will face parliamentary debate over the approaching months as policymakers hamper the dangers and potential advantages of linking part of the nation’s future to a risky crypto market.
