Washing money like clothes or using alcohol and bleach to clean it is against the law, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said. To keep safe when handling money during the pandemic, focus on proper handwashing and avoid touching your face.
Soaking money in water, using laundry detergent, alcohol, bleach and chemicals are considered "acts of mutilation or destruction of Philippine currency," the central bank said, citing Presidential Decree 247. Mutilation can make money unfit for circulation.
Violators can be fined by no more than P20,000 and can be imprisoned for no more than five years, according to the decree issued in 1973.
"Para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng #COVID19, kailangang gawin ang proper hygiene at ituring ang pera na katulad ng ibang mga bagay na laging hinahawakan (To avoid contracting COVID-19, observe proper hygiene and treat money like other things that you touch)," the BSP said.
"Ugaliin ang paghuhugas ng kamay at pag-iwas sa paghawak ng mukha pagkatapos humawak ng pera (Remember to wash your hands and avoid touching your face after handling money)," it said.
Better yet, transact online. Money transfers are free via PesoNet and InstaPay throughout the rest of the year.
