The national government successfully raised more than ₱500 billion from an investment option called “retail Treasury bonds (RTBs)” sold to ordinary Filipinos for a minimum of ₱5,000. National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon said the strong demand for RTBs signaled Filipinos’ financial capability to save despite the ongoing pandemic, adding it also showed expansion of the local economy. De Leon said the Bureau of Treasury sold a total of ₱516.3 billion during 24-day offer period for the RTBs. Of the total amount raised, ₱488.5 billion will be used to support the national government’s dwindling budget, while the remaining ₱27.8 billion is earmarked for swap for previously issued RTBs. “Market liquidity, great timing, and our attractive interest rates were the drivers of success for this year’s offering of RTBs,” De Leon told reporters in a mobile phone message.

Source: The Local August 09, 2020 01:18 UTC