MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City authorities are asking retailers and other businessmen to use “bill verifiers’’ and other safety measures to detect fake peso bills which continue to flood the market as Christmas approaches.
Alarmed by the growing complaints against counterfeit bills, Councilor Jaime Borres of the city’s third district urged the police to concentrate on cracking down on money-faking syndicates.
He said that even small businesses like variety stores, flea markets and food stalls were not spared by the swindlers putting the financial not only to the owners but also to the crew, sales clerks or house helps manning the shops.
Mayor Herbert Bautista said the proliferation of counterfeit bills calls for drastic measures because even gasoline stations, fast food stores and other retail outlets have been victimized by counterfeiters passing off fake P100, P500 and P1,000 bills.
“Throughout the year we would occasionally receive complaints about the use of counterfeit bills but surprisingly there were a significant number of reports about similar problems in the last few days. I believe there is now a basis for the PNP, the NBI and banking authorities to start an investigation,’’ Bautista said.
Bautista said reliable sources confirmed the widespread number of bogus bills in the groceries and stores not only Metro Manila but also in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga.
Wholesale and retail businessmen said the fake P100, P500 and P1,000 look very similar to the genuine bills, making it difficult for their staff to detect the difference.
Former Barangay Chairman Mario de Guzman exhorted the police to intensify their campaign against bogus bills especially during the Christmas season.
De Guzman noted that unscrupulous political aspirants distribute fake bills as Christmas gifts to their voters.
“Since commercial activities are at its peak, unprincipled candidates tend to take advantage of the people by handing out the bogus peso bills either as payment for their services or as grease money to sway the votes in their favor,’’ De Guzman added.
He asked the public to immediately report individuals involved in the distribution of bogus bills.
“I am not an economist but I know that if there are lots of bills in circulation more than what is necessary without the corresponding amount of gold reserves from the Central Bank then it could spell economic disaster,” de Guzman added.
De Guzman is also a member of the city government’s People Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) that hears complaints against abusive policemen.
He promised full protection for informers who can positively pinpoint any member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) involved with fake bill syndicates.
source: mb.com.ph
