Debt service burden slips to $10 billion in 9 monthsMANILA, Philippines — The country’s external debt service burden decreased by 21 percent from January to September this year compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The BSP reported a lower debt service burden of $10.08 billion during the nine-month period from $12.78 billion in the same period last year, driven by lower interest payments and a significant reduction in principal payments. Of the total, interest payments slipped by 0.6 percent to $5.91 billion from $5.95 billion a year ago. The debt service burden represents the total of principal and interest payments the country makes to repay its foreign debts. Meanwhile, the debt service remained within manageable levels relative to the country’s external receipts.

Source: Philippine Star December 22, 2025 16:06 UTC