GCash lets Filipinos buy Treasury bonds

Filipinos who missed the initial offering of the government’s 32nd Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB 32) can still invest through GBonds on GCash, with a minimum investment of P5,000.

The bonds, issued by the Bureau of the Treasury, carry a fixed annual coupon rate of 6.875 percent and mature on 12 April 2029.

Although the primary offer period has ended, RTB 32 remains available for trading in the secondary market through the GCash investment platform.

Investors receive interest payments every quarter and can hold their bonds until maturity or sell them earlier at prevailing market prices.

However, those purchasing bonds in the secondary market may earn a different effective yield from the original 6.875 percent coupon rate, depending on the purchase price and applicable fees.

Unlike stocks, retail Treasury bonds offer fixed interest payments backed by the Philippine government. Investors who hold their bonds until maturity are entitled to receive their principal, subject to the government’s ability to meet its obligations.

Those who sell before maturity may receive more or less than their original investment because bond prices fluctuate with market conditions.

Through GBonds, eligible GCash users can buy and sell government securities using the app’s investment platform.

To participate, users must be at least 18 years old, have a fully verified GCash account and complete a risk profile questionnaire.