These are the notable features of the new 200-peso bill:
ON THE REVERSE SIDE:
* On the left side is a map of the Philippines. Criticism includes the non-inclusion of the Batanes Group of Islands in the map.
* The Philippine tarsier with a scientific name Tarsius syrichta can be found on the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao and other islands such Maripipi Island, Siargao Island, Basilan Island and Dinagat Island. It is considered to be a mammal with the largest eyes.
* Another feature included is the Bohol Chocolate Hills located on the island of Bohol. There are about 1,776 hills spread all over the 50 square kilometers area and is one of the top tourist destinations of the Philippines.
* On the right side is a Visayan weave design depictingthe culture of indigenous cultures of different Filipino tribes.
ON THE OBVERSE SIDE:
* The person who appears here is former President Diosdado P. Macapagal. He served as the ninth President of the Philippines from 1961-1965 and was a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas with a law degree and a Ph.D. in economics. He took up Associate in Arts (preparatory law) at the University of the Philippines but he was unable to finish his schooling due to health reasons.
* On the left side is the EDSA People Power 2001 image where former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, daughter of Diosdado Macapagal, was sworn into office by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, the same person whom President Aquino appointed to head the proposed Truth Commission to investigate GMA's anomalous transactions during her administration. EDSA 2 toppled former President Joseph Estrada from power.
* On the center just beside President Macapagal is the historical Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan where the First Philippine Republic was born. It is considered to be the Cradle of Democracy in the East and the the most important religious building in the Philippines.
* Another important structure included is the Aguinaldo Shrine (Independent House) located in Kawit, Cavite where Philippine Independence was proclaimed by then President Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 marking it in Philippine and world history books as the First Republic in Asia established. The image is positioned on the far left overlapping the installation of Arroyo's presidency.
* The Coat-of-Arms of the Republic of the Philippines and the logo of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also appear on the new bill.
* I don't know why the name of President Aquino became BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, which should be BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III. The same name appears in the Senate website and other documents. His middle name is Cojuango.
* The inclusion of this statement "PINAGPALA ANG BAYAN NA ANG DIYOS AY PANGINOON" (Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord.) in all of the new denominations depicts the religiosity of President Noynoy Aquino who has a strong Roman Catholic background. Apparently, this was taken from the Holy Bible (Psalm 33: 12). Some criticize this because of the doctrine of separation of the church and state. I do not see any wrong point here. It does not violate the constitutional provision in Article II, Section 6.
