To honor Gat Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan on his 120th death anniversary this November 30, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released in advance the new 5 Piso coin, the first of its new Generation Currency Coins.
Notably, Bonifacio displaces Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president who is rumored to have ordered Bonifacio's execution and who once occupied the coin. Bonifacio previously appeared on the 10 peso coin alonside Apolinario Mabini, Aguinaldo's key adviser.
Just last week, BSP released limited edition 10 peso coins featuring General Antonio Luna for his 150th birth anniversary. In 2015, a popular film Heneral Luna, was critical of Aguinaldo and his cabinet.
Bonifacio last appeared on the 5 peso domination, albeit on a banknote, in the Bagong Lipunan Series. After that, he occupied the 2-peso coin and then the 10 peso banknote alongside Mabini when the 2 peso denomination was demonetized. After the 10 peso banknote was demonetized, Bonifacio appeared with Mabini on the current 10 peso coin.
