Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III is set to conduct a Senate inquiry in order to ask the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) what caused the removal of national heroes from the design of new polymer banknotes.

In a radio interview on DWIZ, Pimentel said that for the longest time, the policy was to use bank notes either to teach people history or expose them to history for them to gain interest.

"Dito sa bagong design na nagbago ng polisiya, gagamitin ang bank notes para i-highlight ang mga endangered species, yung mga animal life sa Pilipinas. Shift yan, panibagong policy yan kaya pwede natin tanong sa BSP ano ang nag-cause (In this new design that has changed the policy, banknotes will be used to highlight endangered species, specifically the animal life in the Philippines. This is a shift, a new policy, so we can ask the BSP what caused this change)," he said.

The 1,000-piso note, already in circulation since April 2022, showcases the majestic Philippine eagle soaring above the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 500-piso note features the elusive Visayan spotted deer amid the lush greenery of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

The 100-piso note highlights the vibrant Palawan peacock-pheasant against the backdrop of the iconic Mayon Volcano, while the 50-piso note presents the playful Visayan leopard cat with the serene Taal Lake in the background.

"The polymer series raises awareness of the country’s threatened species, serves as a symbol of Filipino identity, and fosters national pride," shares BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., highlighting the inspiration and symbolism behind the chosen themes.

Pimentel said that a lot of countries still use their paper money to commemorate their history and to honor their heroes.

"Ibig sabihin lang nito, sinadya talaga na inalis ang mga personalities, so kung magkaka-hearing tayo tatanungin natin sa BSP kasi yun ang intensyon eh. Bakit ba, bakit tinanggal ninyo yung mga heroes? Ang gusto ba natin hindi na gamitin ang ating pera para maalala ang ating mga bayani? Parang alisin natin yung, pwede gamitin sana yung pera sa pagturo pag-generate ng interest sa history (This just means that the removal of those personalities was intentional. If we have a hearing, we will ask the BSP about it because that's the intention. Why was it done? Why did you remove the heroes? Do we really want to stop using our money to remember our heroes? It seems like we could have used that money to teach and generate interest in history)," he said.

He added that BSP should be subjected to periodic appearances in Congress.

In an earlier statement, Pimentel said that the re-design of peso paper notes was one of the easiest jobs of the BSP.

"It is better for the BSP to concentrate on its main primary responsibility: to fight inflation and protect the purchasing power of the Philippine peso. Hindi madaan sa design-design yan ng pera (That won't be solved by just designing money)," he added.