Philippines Proposes 10,000 Bitcoin Reserve In Bold Crypto Bet

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.

What’s in the Philippines Bitcoin Resrve Bill?

The plan is simple but aggressive:

• Buy 2,000 BTC per year for five years.
• Hold for 20 years, with strict limits on liquidation.
• Allow up to 10% to be sold only for sovereign debt repayment, and only after the lock-in.

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.

Strategic Storage and Transparency

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:

• Quarterly proof-of-reserve audits
• Public disclosure of holdings
• Full transparency on wallet addresses

Importantly, the bill protects individual rights: citizens and businesses are free to hold and trade Bitcoin without government interference.

Bitcoin as National Wealth

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.

Critics Push Back

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.

The Bigger Vision: Mining + Monetary Shift

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.

State Of Bitcoin Reserves Across The Globe

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