SENATOR Richard Gordon disagreed with the central bank’s decision to ditch heroes in the P1,000 bill.

He stressed that national heroes should be recognized for their bravery and invaluable contribution to the country’s rich history and culture.

Gordon made the statement in response to the announcement of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that the Philippine eagle will be featured in the P1000 polymer bills.

“Tama ‘yung sinasabi natin na ang kabayanihan natin, andiyan sa pera. Si Escoda, a girl scout. ‘Yang si Jose Abad Santos na pinugutan ng ulo, hindi nag-collaborate. Si Vicente Lim, a West Point graduate, nasa klase niya si former US President Dwight Eisenhower, meron tayong matututunan. At pupuwede nating ilagay sa pera,” he said.

“Ang salapi ay talagang mahahawakan ng lahat ng mamamayan iyan at puwede nating ipagmalaki, may maikukuwento tayo sa salapi pa lamang,” he added.

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, Brig. Gen. Vicente Lim, and Girl Scouts of the Philippines founder Josefa Llanes Escoda represent the largest denomination in circulation for their role in resistance against the invading Japanese.

Gordon underscored the importance of having heroes as role models for future generations.

“Inilagay ko si Lapulapu sa Rizal Park. Si Lapulapu ang ating fearless na talagang warrior na kumakatawan sa linya ng national anthem na, ‘…Sa manlulupig hindi ka pasisiil,’” he said.

“Si Jose Rizal ang siyang tinatawag na ‘Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo.’ Poet, talagang philosopher, patriot. Ganoon din sa salapi,” he added.

Gordon opined that cultural preservation builds on the Philippines’ heritage, and should be used to teach Filipinos and foreigners alike its national identity.

Under his watch, numerous historical sites, such as Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila, Fort San Pedro in Cebu, Fort Pilar in Zamboanga, and Cotta in Ozamiz City were restored to highlight Philippine history in its nationalistic sense.