The Philippines proposes a 10,000 BTC national Bitcoin reserve with a 20-year lock-in as a hedge against inflation and debt.
Author: Sahil Thakur
The Philippines may soon become one of the world’s largest state-level Bitcoin holders with a Bitcoin Reserve proposal. On August 22, 2025, Congressman Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte introduced the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (House Bill No. 421), calling for the government to acquire 10,000 BTC over five years. If passed, the law would treat Bitcoin as a long-term national reserve asset, locked away for two decades.
Why it matters: This proposal goes beyond tech optimism. It’s about sovereign wealth, de-dollarization, and digital independence. The move signals a growing belief that Bitcoin belongs alongside gold and foreign reserves, especially in a world of inflation and geopolitical risk.
The plan is simple but aggressive:
At current prices (~$115,000 per BTC), this would cost the government roughly $1.15 billion. Funds could come from foreign exchange reserves or government bond issuance.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) would manage the reserve. BTC would be stored in cold wallets, distributed geographically for security.
Oversight involves a coalition of national agencies: BSP, the Department of Finance, Defense, and the SEC. The law also mandates:
Importantly, the bill protects individual rights: citizens and businesses are free to hold and trade Bitcoin without government interference.
Villafuerte called Bitcoin a “modern strategic asset”, citing parallels with gold. He believes it can protect the peso, strengthen the balance sheet, and offer liquidity during crises.
With ₱16 trillion ($285B) in national debt, much of it domestic – supporters argue this move could hedge against fiat debasement and dollar dependence.
He also drew comparisons to El Salvador, which now holds over 6,000 BTC and has attracted tourism and foreign investment. The Philippines could go further, becoming a crypto reserve heavyweight, potentially rivaling Bhutan’s holdings.
Not everyone’s convinced. The finance minister warned about volatility and liquidity concerns. Others say the funds could better serve education, healthcare, or infrastructure.
But tech-savvy Filipinos are embracing the plan. Many see it as a future-facing hedge, one that might even build a Bitcoin bloc in Asia. Social media buzz reflects excitement and caution.
Villafuerte isn’t stopping at reserves. He’s floated ideas for geothermal-powered Bitcoin mining, leveraging the country’s natural resources to become not just a holder, but a producer of digital wealth.
And the Philippines isn’t alone. Poland, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and even China have explored state-level crypto strategies. Villafuerte’s bill might just kick off a regional race.
| Status | Countries |
|---|---|
| Have reserves | United States, Bhutan, El Salvador, China, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Finland, Venezuela, North Korea |
| Planning or exploring | Philippines, Pakistan, Czech Republic, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Central African Republic, Ukraine |
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