Bold Plan: Philippines to Build $1.1B Bitcoin Reserve

Key Points

• New bill proposes 10,000 BTC strategic reserve over 5 years
• Bitcoin to be treated like gold in national reserves
• 20-year minimum holding period ensures a long-term strategy
• Public audits and limited liquidation aim for transparency

In a bold move that could change how nations think about money, Philippine Congressman Miguel Luis Villafuerte has introduced a new bill that would create a 10,000 BTC Bitcoin Reserve for the country.

The proposed law, called the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (House Bill No. 421), was filed on August 22, 2025, and it could place the Philippines among the largest state holders of Bitcoin in the world.

The plan is clear: Buy 2,000 BTC per year for five years, and hold it for at least 20 years. The Bitcoin would be added to the country’s strategic assets, along with gold and foreign exchange reserves.

But there’s a strict rule. The government can’t sell this Bitcoin, except for retiring debt, and even then, only 10% can be liquidated over two years. This setup ensures that the Bitcoin Reserve is truly a long-term strategic asset.

“The country must stockpile strategic assets such as Bitcoin to safeguard our national interest,” the bill says.

Supporters of the bill say it’s a smart move, especially with the country holding ₱16.09 trillion ($285 billion) in debt. They believe that relying only on the US dollar and gold is risky, especially with growing financial uncertainty around the world.

With altcoins also experiencing renewed attention due to bullish sentiment in the market, Bitcoin’s positioning as a national asset could bring more legitimacy to the broader crypto sector.

🇵🇭 A Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill has been filed by Rep. Miguel Villafuerte in the House of Representatives. The Bill seeks to purchase 10,000 BTC over a 5-year period. pic.twitter.com/0coTMQrVvh

— Dicki Devesa (@57twl57) August 22, 2025

Oversight, Cold Storage, and Public Audits

The proposed Bitcoin Reserve will be stored securely using cold storage wallets, placed in different locations across the country. These wallets are not connected to the internet, which makes them safer from hacking and online attacks.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will manage the reserve, but it won’t act alone. The Department of Finance, the Department of Defense, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will all help supervise and protect the reserve.

One of the most important parts of the bill is transparency. The government must conduct quarterly audits to prove the reserve exists. These audits will be done by independent third-party firms, and the results must be published online for the public to see.

BREAKING: 🇵🇭 Philippine Congressman proposes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill.

The bill calls Central bank to acquire 10,000 BTC over 5 years to strengthen national security. pic.twitter.com/UdHKzObGYO

— Crypto India (@CryptooIndia) August 22, 2025

This level of openness is rare among governments, and it could build strong public trust and set an example for other countries.

Another key point: the bill protects private ownership. It clearly states that Filipino citizens and businesses can continue to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin without any government interference. This ensures that the Bitcoin Reserve is a state asset, not a state monopoly.

In light of recent controversies, such as the Camp Network airdrop backlash, the Philippines’ move toward state-level transparency may serve as a benchmark in restoring trust in crypto initiatives.

Philippines Joins the Global Bitcoin Accumulation Race

The Philippines isn’t alone in this idea. Many governments are already building their own Bitcoin reserves. According to CoinGecko data, as of August 2025, 11 countries collectively hold 480,196 BTC, worth over $56 billion. That’s about 2.29% of all Bitcoin in existence.

Here are a few key players:

• North Korea: 13,562 BTC

• Bhutan: 10,769 BTC

• El Salvador: 6,268 BTC

El Salvador became famous for being the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender back in 2021. Even though people there are using it less for everyday purchases now, the government keeps buying. It recently added 22 BTC, bringing its total value to over $725 million.

The Philippines’ plan to hold 10,000 BTC, worth over $1.1 billion at today’s price of $116,850 per coin, would place it above El Salvador and close to Bhutan in national holdings. If the bill passes, the Philippines will become one of the top three countries in terms of Bitcoin reserves.

The move comes as other crypto headlines have dominated global attention—like the dramatic Coinbase listing of USD1 and the controversial YZY token collapse linked to insider manipulation, sparking debates about responsible adoption.

In contrast, the Philippines’ approach of long-term holding and transparency could offer a refreshingly stable model.

NEW: 🇵🇭 Philippines House introduces a bill to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve. 🙌

Directing the central bank to buy 2,000 BTC annually for 5 years (totaling 10,000 BTC) to be held for 20 years to enhance national security and debt stability. pic.twitter.com/RSa8bI8dqP

— Simply Bitcoin (@SimplyBitcoinTV) August 22, 2025

Bitcoin Reserve as a Hedge Against Global Instability

The timing of the bill is no accident. Around the world, economic systems are under stress. Inflation is rising, debt is increasing, and confidence in traditional banking is slowly weakening. Many investors and governments now see Bitcoin as digital gold, a limited-supply asset that can hold value over time.

Villafuerte, the lawmaker behind the bill, believes that a Bitcoin Reserve will help the Philippines stay ahead of the curve. “This is about future-proofing our economy,” he said. “We can’t afford to sit back while other nations build up digital reserves.”

Analysts say that this could be a smart hedge. If Bitcoin prices continue to rise, the value of the 10,000 BTC reserve could grow far beyond its original investment. On the other hand, if global currencies weaken or inflation rises, Bitcoin may act as a haven.

The proposal also arrives in the shadow of recent scandals like the shocking YZY coin launch, which hit $3B before facing insider allegations. These stories highlight the need for state-backed clarity and long-term thinking, rather than speculative hype.

More importantly, this move shows the world that the Philippines is serious about financial innovation and digital sovereignty. With transparent policies, long-term vision, and legal protection for private users, the country is preparing for a future where crypto assets play a major role in national strategies.