The Philippines may soon become one of the first Southeast Asian nations to formally adopt Bitcoin as a strategic asset. Congressman Miguel Luis Villafuerte has introduced House Bill 421, which proposes the creation of a national reserve totaling 10,000 BTC.

Under the plan, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) would acquire 2,000 BTC annually over a five-year period. These holdings must be kept for at least twenty years, with strict rules on utilization. Bitcoin may only be liquidated to reduce sovereign debt, and after the initial holding period, sales are capped at 10 % of reserves every two years.

Villafuerte argues that such a reserve would provide a financial buffer resilient to inflation and the depreciation of fiat currencies. With many nations boosting gold reserves and seeking greater diversification, Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a hedge against volatility in the global financial system and overreliance on the US dollar.

Other countries have already taken similar steps. El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender and continues to expand its national holdings. Bhutan, through its sovereign fund, has invested in mining and accumulation of crypto assets. Brazil is currently considering a strategic Bitcoin reserve valued at around USD 17 billion. The Philippines, therefore, are positioning themselves within the emerging race for “digital gold.”

Analysts emphasize that the success of the initiative will depend heavily on storage infrastructure and transparency. The bill outlines measures such as distributed cold-wallet custody, regular audits, and mandatory public reporting. These mechanisms are designed to enhance trust among both citizens and international stakeholders.

If passed, the legislation could strengthen the Philippines’ role as a regional leader in digital asset adoption. Over the long term, it may enhance the country’s financial resilience and provide a model for other governments exploring innovative ways to manage debt and reserves.

💸💲🧠 Get up to 5020 USDT as a welcome bonus and an additional 1025 USDT by using this referral on  Bybit