The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Sept. 29 launched the 32nd tranche of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB32), a 2.5-year government security aimed at giving small investors access to the bond market while raising funds for the national development.
RTB32 carries a gross interest rate of 6.875 percent a year, payable quarterly until the bonds mature in 2029.
Wider access
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the relatively low minimum investment makes government securities accessible even to Filipinos who are new to investing.
“With investments starting at 5 thousand pesos, retail treasury bonds provide an accessible investment option for Filipinos. They allow individuals, including those who may be new to investing, to participate in the country’s financial markets and build their savings over time,” Go said.
The latest offering coincides with the 25th anniversary of the government’s RTB program. Since its introduction in 2001, the program has raised more than P6 trillion to help finance government programs and projects.
RTBs are government securities backed by the Republic of the Philippines. The government has also widened access to the bonds through online and mobile investment channels.
Offer period
The public offer runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7, subject to the BTr’s discretion, with issuance scheduled for Oct. 12.
Investors may buy RTB32 over the counter through authorized selling agents or through the Treasury’s Online Ordering Facility.
The bonds are also available through participating digital platforms, including Landbank, OFBank, PDAX, GBonds via GCash, ATRAM Prime, ATRAM PERA and RCBC Pulz.
Go said broader participation in financial markets should be accompanied by responsible fiscal management, transparency, investor protection and secure digital financial systems. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
