Australia to print Philippines’ first polymer banknotes, critics see red flags

In a briefing in October, BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan raised two points in favor of polymer banknotes. One, the plastic banknotes are more “hygienic” as they can be disinfected. After all, cleaning surfaces of virtually almost anything has become the new normal. Two, polymer banknotes, while they are plastic, are supposed to be more environment-friendly, as they are more durable.