At least P30 billion retail T-bonds up for grabs

MANILA, Philippines —  The national government will offer at least P30 billion in retail treasury bonds (RTBs) starting next week, as investors seek safer and more stable investments amid market volatility.

In a notice of offering posted on its website dated Sept. 23, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said it plans to sell a minimum of P30 billion worth of 2.5-year peso-denominated RTBs due in 2029.

The public offer will run from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7, with the issue date set for Oct. 12. It will mature on April 12, 2029.

RTBs are relatively low-risk investment instruments guaranteed by the full financial capacity of the Philippine government. Investors can purchase for as low as P5,000.

The planned issuance will mark the 25th year of the government’s retail bond program and the second time it will be available on GCash’s GBonds platform.

“Interest on RTB 32, to be calculated on a 30/360-day basis, will be paid quarterly in arrears on the last day of each three-month interest period, the BTr said.

In addition, the Treasury is offering a bond exchange program for holders of existing government securities maturing on Oct. 20 (RTB 15-01), Dec. 7 (FXTN 20-13), Jan. 4, 2027 (FXTN 03-30), March 1, 2027 (RTB 15-02) and March 4, 2027 (RTB 05-15).

This will likewise be offered from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7, with the issue date set for Oct. 12.

National Treasurer Sharon Almanza earlier said the government is aiming to raise less than half of the amount from last year’s RTB sale in August, as the government has other financing options for the rest of the year.

The government raised P507.16 billion from five-year notes in its last RTB issuance.