Bitcoin News Today: Philippines Proposes 10000 BTC Strategic Reserve to Diversify National Assets

Generated by AI AgentCoin World
Friday, Aug 22, 2025 1:12 pm ET2min read
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Aime RobotAime Summary

- Philippine lawmakers proposed HB 421 to establish a 10,000 BTC strategic reserve managed by the central bank, aiming to diversify national assets and enhance economic resilience.

- The plan involves annual BTC purchases for five years, followed by 20 years of trust holding, leveraging Bitcoin's 40% average annual growth as a long-term hedge.

- The initiative aligns with global trends, as countries like Indonesia and India explore similar strategies, while the U.S. explores budget-neutral BTC acquisition methods.

- The bill remains under consideration, requiring legislative approval to become the first Asian nation with a state-backed Bitcoin reserve, potentially setting a global precedent.

Lawmakers in the Philippines have introduced House Bill 421, formally known as the Strategic

Bitcoin
Reserve Act, to establish a national Bitcoin reserve under the management of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The bill was submitted by House ICT Committee Chairperson Migz Villafuerte, who argued that acquiring 2,000 BTC annually for five years—amounting to a total of 10,000 BTC—would help diversify the country’s financial portfolio and strengthen economic resilience [1]. The proposed Bitcoin reserve would be held in trust for another 20 years following the accumulation phase [2]. Villafuerte emphasized that Bitcoin’s compound annual growth rate of approximately 40% over the past five years justifies its inclusion in the nation’s strategic assets [3].

The bill defines a strategic Bitcoin reserve as a critical resource stock that can be deployed during economic crises or supply disruptions, aligning with the broader principles of financial preparedness [4]. While the proposal does not suggest replacing the US dollar as the primary reserve currency, it does propose a complementary diversification strategy, positioning Bitcoin as a long-term economic hedge [5]. Lawmakers argue that the initiative reflects the 20th Congress’s commitment to modernizing the country’s financial infrastructure and ensuring long-term stability [6].

The move has been placed in the context of a growing global trend, with countries like Indonesia and India exploring similar strategies. In Indonesia, representatives from Bitcoin Indonesia have met with officials from the Vice President’s office to discuss the potential role of Bitcoin in long-term economic growth [7]. In India, Pradeep Bhandari, a spokesperson for the ruling party, has suggested that adopting a Bitcoin reserve could help the country modernize its financial policy [8]. Meanwhile, in the United States, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that the government is exploring budget-neutral methods to acquire Bitcoin but has not confirmed any new purchases [9]. His earlier comments had triggered a sell-off in the cryptocurrency market, though he later sought to reassure stakeholders [10].

The bill has sparked a broader conversation about the role of cryptocurrencies in national economic policy. While some lawmakers and analysts see it as a forward-looking response to technological and financial shifts, others remain cautious about the risks associated with such a novel approach [11]. As the legislation progresses, the Philippine government will need to balance innovation with prudence, ensuring that any new asset allocation strategy aligns with the country’s broader financial goals.

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act is currently under consideration and must pass through several stages before it can become law. If adopted, it would mark a significant milestone in the global integration of cryptocurrencies into national monetary policy, potentially setting a precedent for other countries [12].

Sources:

[1] "Philippines HB 421 files to establish a Strategic Bitcoin ..." (https://www.cryptopolitan.com/philippines-hb-421-files-for-bitcoin-reserve/)

[2] "Philippines Proposes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve under ..." (https://coincentral.com/philippines-proposes-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-under-house-bill-421/)

[3] "Philippine Lawmaker Pushes Bitcoin Reserve Bill, Calls for ..." (https://blockonomi.com/philippine-lawmaker-pushes-bitcoin-reserve-bill-calls-for-10000-btc-national-stockpile/)

[4] "Philippines Proposes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill to ..." (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/22/philippines-proposes-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-bill-to-accumulate-10000-btc/)

[5] "Bill to order BSP to accumulate Bitcoins, create reserve" (https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/08/22/bill-to-order-bsp-to-accumulate-bitcoins-create-reserve/)

[6] "Philippines May Become First in Asia to Hold 10000 BTC ..." (https://coinpedia.org/news/philippines-may-become-first-in-asia-to-hold-10000-btc-national-bitcoin-reserve/)

[7] "Philippines Lawmakers Submit House Bill 421 For a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68a8a3225981c1247129d1e6/)