MANILA, Philippines – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released the first set of banknotes bearing the name and signature of BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday, July 3.

When his signature was made public last April, reporters were quick to note that it looked like 3 little squiggles and might be easy to forge.

In a Manila Bulletin article, Diokno admitted the style of his signature could be easily forged and looked like little “bulate” or worms. But he noted that the bills have security features.

Diokno assumed the post as the 5th head of the central bank last March 6 after Nestor Espenilla Jr died. (READ: The humble ‘bad cop’: Philippines remembers BSP chief Espenilla)

The release of the new banknotes is also part of the celebration of the BSP’s 70th anniversary.

The 20-peso, 50-peso, 100-peso, 200-peso, 500-peso and 1,000-peso banknotes with the BSP governor’s name and signature are the freshest set of peso bills printed under the currently circulated New Generation Currency series.

The Philippine currency has borne the signatures of the president and the BSP governor since 1949. – Rappler.com