Philippines Proposes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to Strengthen National Treasury
The Philippines is exploring the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a groundbreaking initiative that would direct the central bank to acquire 10,000 BTC over five years, held under a 20-year lockup.
Introduced in the House of Representatives as House Bill 421 by Congressman Miguel Luis Villafuerte, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act mandates the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to manage the reserve with strict trust and reporting requirements. The bill requires annual purchases of 2,000 BTC, with sales allowed only to offset government debt after the 20-year period.
If passed, the Philippines would become one of Asia’s first countries to legislate a sovereign Bitcoin reserve, marking a significant step in the adoption of crypto as a strategic national asset.
Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset
Congressman Villafuerte emphasized the growing importance of Bitcoin in ensuring the country’s financial and economic security. “It is vital that the Philippines stockpile strategic assets such as Bitcoin to support national interests and bolster financial stability,” he stated.
Other Asian nations, including Bhutan and Pakistan, have also explored Bitcoin reserves. Unlike countries like the U.S. or Germany, which acquire crypto through law enforcement seizures, the Philippine proposal directs systematic purchases by the central bank, ensuring a structured accumulation.
Implications of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Miguel Antonio Cuneta, co-founder of Satoshi Citadel Industries, called the bill an asymmetric bet with potential upside for the Philippines, according to Decrypt. He highlighted that other nations’ experiences with sovereign Bitcoin reserves could serve as templates for implementation, and advised gradual adoption without affecting other critical sectors.
Luis Buenaventura, head of crypto at GCash, noted that while the bill may face hurdles in Congress, it raises awareness of Bitcoin’s role in corporate and national treasuries. He also suggested it could encourage authorities to better manage confiscated digital assets. Paul Soliman, CEO of BayaniChain, described the proposal as a bold move treating Bitcoin as a long-term, censorship-resistant store of value, akin to digital gold. Soliman told Decrypt that publicly auditable government wallets could enhance transparency and trust with Filipinos.
Experts agree that with clear governance, strategic acquisition, and investment in education, a Philippine Bitcoin reserve could become more than a hedge—it could serve as a generational safeguard and symbol of accountability. Risks remain, including volatility, taxpayer exposure, and financial literacy gaps, but the bill represents a major step in the integration of digital assets into national financial strategy.
