The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group filed a criminal complaint against an individual who was seen burning a Philippine banknote on social media.

The BSP and PNP filed a complaint against 24-year-old alias Jam Jaren with the Office of the City Prosecutor (Quezon City) for violating Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 247, Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

Alias Jam Jaren was shown in a video posted on popular social media sites burning a 20-Piso New Generation Currency banknote, and then using it to ignite the contents of an alcohol bottle. Both the act of burning the banknote and the video itself are unlawful.

“We will pursue this case until conviction,” said Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan of the BSP’s Payments and Currency Management Sector. “We assure the public that BSP shall continue to protect the integrity of our currency.” Tangonan added.

Under P.D. No. 247, the willful defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning, or destruction of Philippine banknotes and coins is unlawful and punishable by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine not exceeding PHP 20,000.00. Meanwhile, under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, persons who, by any means of publication, encourage disobedience to the law are penalized by imprisonment and fine. Lastly, R.A. No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) penalizes all crimes covered by the Revised Penal Code and special laws, if committed through or with the use of information and communication technologies, with a penalty at least one (1) degree higher than that provided by the Revised Penal Code and special laws, as the case may be.

Source: BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS