MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Thanks to the investigative prowess of Senator Bato de la Rosa, the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) has issued new rules on the authentication of the P1,000-peso polymer bills.

In the recent Senate hearing on the alleged PDEA leaked documents implicating President Bongbong Marcos in alleged illegal drug use, the former Philippine National Police chief used the hole punch test in certifying to the authenticity of said documents.

In a new memorandum circular, BSP now requires all banks, government offices and merchants to stock up on paper hole punchers to be used in the new authentication process.

Under the rules which will go into effect on May 15, 2024, all those accepting the crisp bank notes are required to punch a hole on them. “If the hole punch goes through, then the bill is authentic,” BSP said. It added that a maximum of 10 punch holes is allowed on each bill, after which, the bank note must be exchanged for a new ne at any bank or financial institution.