70-Year-Old Man Recovers P50,000 Cash From Termites in His Cabinet

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday it replaced a 70-year-old man's P50,000 cash savings that were nearly eaten up by termites in his cabinet, where he had kept it for years.

The central bank said the case of Adonis Buemia should serve as a reminder for the public to keep their savings in the bank, where it will be safe from termites and other natural hazards.

Buemia saves P100 a day, or a third of his daily income, working as an ice delivery man for 30 years. A TV program referred his case to the BSP.

"Masayang-masaya talaga ako at napalitan na at naibalik nang buo ang ipon ko. Maraming salamat sa bangko na tinanggap nila ‘yong pera. At maraming salamat sa Bangko Sentral sa lahat ng tulong para mapalitan ‘yong pera ko," said Buemia, a solo parent and caregiver to a special child.

The BSP endorsed Buemia's damaged cash for replacement at the bank nearest his home. He received the replacement on Aug. 11.

What if I have damaged peso bills?

Damaged bills may be replaced by the BSP as long as it meets these specifications:

• The size of the remaining bill should be 60% or three-fifths of the original size of the note.
• A portion of any of the two facsimile signatures must still be seen or observed
• The windowed security thread must remain intact unless otherwise caused by fire, insect and any form of unintentional mutilation