WE REFER to the May 23 column of Neal Cruz, in which he raised some questions regarding the new generation bank-notes.
Let me clarify first of all that: due to the inherent nature of intaglio printing of our banknotes, a minimal “ink run-off” will be observed; otherwise, we cannot achieve the embossing of several features in the banknote like their denominations. Unlike ordinary offset printing, intaglio printing of banknotes requires printing plates to have much deeper engraving and consequently greater ink consumption to attain the acceptable level of print security. A minimal “ink run-off” is, therefore, an inevitable consequence.
There is nothing extraordinary about “ink run-off” in real notes. Due to surface height of the fibers in the genuine banknote paper, there is greater tactility and expectedly, more “ink run-off.” This is in fact one of the tests to determine whether a note is genuine or not.
I can therefore assure Cruz that what was shown to him was a real note and “ink run-off” is a natural feature of those real notes. A currency comparison which included that of the Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Singapore dollar and the euro note had been previously conducted by our printer. Every note had “ink run-off.” Fake notes will hardly yield any color residue when rubbed.
Secondly, I would also like to point out that there is no problem with the ink used in printing the new Philippine banknotes. The ink used in the BSP notes is the same as that used in the printing of the other currencies worldwide which has become the virtual industry standard. Moreover, the BSP note, like the other currencies, passed the laundry test; i.e., soaking them wet and drying them off. There was no fading of the colors in the note.
We want to assure the public that the banknotes issued by the BSP meet the high quality standards for banknote printing, considering that the same technology and the same or similar process equipment are used. In addition, our banknote paper and banknote ink are sourced only from pre-selected suppliers who have proven international track record in their respective specialization.
—DIWA C. GUINIGUNDO,
deputy governor,
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas