TLDR
- House Bill 421 proposes acquiring 2,000 BTC annually for five years.
- BSP will hold Bitcoin reserves in trust for 20 years under the new bill.
- The plan aims to diversify Philippine financial assets using Bitcoin.
- The bill follows global moves toward national Bitcoin reserve strategies.
Philippine lawmakers have introduced a new bill that could make the country one of Asia’s first to hold Bitcoin in its national reserves. The proposal would require the central bank to buy thousands of Bitcoin each year, with the goal of building a long-term digital asset reserve. The plan is part of growing interest among several countries exploring digital assets as part of national economic strategies.
House Bill 421 Proposes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in the Philippines
A new legislative proposal, House Bill 421, has been filed in the Philippine Congress to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The bill was introduced by House ICT Committee Chairperson, Representative Migz Villafuerte. If passed, the bill would direct the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to purchase 2,000 Bitcoin each year over a five-year period.
The central bank would be required to hold these digital assets in trust for 20 years. This initiative is aimed at diversifying the country’s financial assets and preparing for shifts in global finance. Villafuerte said, “It is vital for the Philippines to stockpile strategic assets such as BTC to serve important national interests such as providing financial stability.”
𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: Philippines introduces bill to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
Asia is stepping up. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Rerv8ROyF6
— Lark Davis (@TheCryptoLark) August 22, 2025
Villafuerte pointed to Bitcoin’s strong performance over the past years, noting that the asset has delivered an average annual growth rate of 40% in the last five years. The bill marks the Philippines’ first formal step toward including cryptocurrency in its national asset strategy.
Global Interest in Bitcoin Reserves Grows Among Nations
The proposal aligns with similar discussions happening in other parts of the world. Some countries and institutions are beginning to explore or acquire Bitcoin as part of their financial planning. In Switzerland, authorities are considering adding Bitcoin alongside traditional assets like gold. In Asia, Hong Kong lawmaker Wu Jiezhuang has also supported including Bitcoin in the city’s reserve policy.
In Japan, private sector players have already begun to act. Metaplanet, a Tokyo-based company, now holds 18,888 BTC after recent acquisitions. The company has been increasing its Bitcoin holdings as part of its treasury strategy, following trends set by other major firms globally.
China has taken a different approach. In April, reports stated that municipal officials sold around 15,000 BTC worth $1.2 billion to address fiscal shortages. The move sparked speculation about whether China might later establish a Bitcoin reserve of its own.
U.S. and Asian Countries Explore Bitcoin in National Strategies
The Philippines’ proposal comes just weeks after the United States published its first national crypto policy report on July 30, 2025. The report followed a 180-day review under President Donald Trump. It raised questions about whether the U.S. should also build a strategic reserve using Bitcoin seized by federal agencies.
Estimates suggest that the U.S. government currently holds nearly 200,000 BTC through various legal seizures. Some analysts argue that officially including these holdings in national reserves could influence global market trends. However, no final decisions have been made.
Other nations such as Poland and Malaysia are reportedly discussing similar strategies. Malaysia is also focusing on developing clear rules for digital assets to support its financial system.
If the Philippines moves forward with House Bill 421, it would join a small but growing list of countries treating Bitcoin as a strategic national asset. The proposal is currently under review and will go through standard legislative processes in the coming months.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support
