MANILA, Philippines — Cory and Ninoy look great together.

Malacañang Friday welcomed a proposal to add the portrait of the late former President Corazon Aquino to that of her late husband, Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., in the P500 bill.

“The prospective design of the P500 bill with President Cory and Ninoy together looks great,” Secretary Gabriel Claudio, presidential political adviser, said in a text message.

“I’m very sure the President will approve of it,” he said.

Malacañang’s statement of support came a day after Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco said he had asked the numismatic committee to consider the proposal in designing new generation currency notes.

Former Energy Secretary Vincent Perez, Ms Arroyo’s adviser on alternative energy, broached the proposal to Tetangco.

The proposal coincided with calls for lawmakers to declare Aquino, who died Aug. 1 and was buried on Wednesday, a national hero.

Claudio said the proposal was a “very apt, artistic and numismatic depiction of a partnership steeped not only in marital devotion but a shared devotion to the cause of freedom of the Filipino people.”

Gary Olivar, presidential economic spokesperson, agreed: “The President earlier praised former President Cory Aquino as a national treasure, so honoring her in this manner would only be fitting and appropriate.”

Ms Arroyo has declared a 10-day national mourning in Aquino’s honor. She also visited her wake at dawn Wednesday after returning from a visit to the United States.