Philippine Lawmaker Pushes for Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to Cut National Debt

Proposed bill aims to store 10,000 BTC as a sovereign asset locked for 20 years

The Philippines is considering a groundbreaking move to strengthen its financial security by creating a government-managed Bitcoin reserve. A new bill introduced in Congress proposes the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, modeled after traditional commodity stockpiles such as oil and grain reserves.

Philippines Plans Bitcoin Stockpile for Debt Reduction

Under the proposed legislation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) would purchase 2,000 BTC annually over five years, resulting in a total of 10,000 BTC. These holdings would be locked for 20 years, with the sole purpose of reducing national debt during that period.

The bill states: “The State shall promote and maintain economic stability and peso convertibility, especially during crises. Diversifying assets with cryptocurrency is crucial for financial security.”

In January 2025, the Bureau of the Treasury reported the country’s national debt reached $285 billion, or 60% of GDP. By introducing a Bitcoin reserve, lawmakers aim to create a hedge against economic risks and improve debt management.

Secure Storage and Auditing Measures

To ensure resilience, cold-storage facilities will be established across multiple locations in the country. The holdings will be audited quarterly through cryptographic attestations and verified by independent third parties. The bill also specifies that forked and airdropped assets must be retained for at least five years.

Importantly, the legislation assures that private ownership of Bitcoin will not be affected, ruling out any risk of confiscation.

Financial analysts suggest that this move could position the Philippines as a pioneer in sovereign crypto adoption. “Locking Bitcoin for 20 years signals a long-term commitment to decentralized assets as a financial buffer,” said one industry expert.

If passed, this initiative could set a precedent for other nations exploring digital assets as part of their strategic reserves.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.