Filipinos rush to grab 6% retail bonds, as digital cash takes lead

Manila: The Philippine Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised approximately ₱210 billion ($3.8 billion) during Tuesday’s coupon rate-setting auction for its five-year Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs).

This reflects a strong investor confidence in government-backed securities.

The RTB issuance — designed for retail investors with a minimum placement of ₱5,000 ($91) and increments of the same amount — secured a fixed coupon rate of 6.0%.

Total tenders amounted to ₱354.175 billion ($6.44 billion), significantly exceeding the initial offer of ₱30 billion ($545 million).

The public offer period runs until August 15, with the issue date set for August 20.

The BTr is also offering a bond swap option for holders of securities maturing on September 9, 2025, February 4, 2026, and February 14, 2026.

Investors can participate through the BTr website or via participating institutions such as:

RTBs are also available through wide network of authorised selling agents is supporting the issuance, including:

Domestic and foreign banks:

Digital platforms:

At the official launch, National Treasurer Sharon Almanza urged the public to consider RTBs as a dual-benefit investment — one that earns stable returns while contributing to national development.

“By investing in RTBs, you are investing in the future of the Philippines,” Almanza said, highlighting the government’s plan to channel proceeds toward critical infrastructure projects.

What are Retail Treasury Bonds? (And Why Should You Care?)

Retail Treasury Bonds, or RTBs, are basically the government’s way of saying, “Hey, lend us your money and we’ll pay you back with interest — promise!”

Since they’re backed by the Philippine government, they’re considered very low-risk, making them a favorite for cautious investors.

Minimum investment?

Witn just ₱5,000 (around $91), you're good to go. That’s less than the price of a weekend beach trip — and it might just grow instead of disappear in snacks and gas.

Flexible terms?

Yes. You can choose from as short as 2 years to as long as 25 years. That’s great if you're planning ahead — whether for your kid’s college fund or your post-retirement island life.

RTBs vs. Treasury Bills?

Here’s the quick breakdown:

So if you’re after a steady income stream, RTBs can act like your investment “side hustle” that doesn’t need daily checking or stress.

Well, returns from RTBs might not be as sky-high as stocks or mutual funds.

And since interest rates don’t adjust with inflation, your returns could feel a little “modest” over time.

Absolutely — especially during market chaos. RTBs are like the calm, reliable friend who always shows up on time.

They're great for stability, diversifying your portfolio, and locking in long-term income.

Perfect for retirees, cautious savers, or anyone who wants to sleep soundly knowing their investment isn’t jumping up and down with the market.

(This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor to assess what investment options are most appropriate for your specific goals and risk profile.)