NG debt dips to P17.46 trillion as of end-September

THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S (NG) outstanding debt slid to P17.46 trillion at the end of September, but remained above the full-year projection, data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed.

-  - Aaron Michael C. Sy

BTr data showed the outstanding debt dipped by 0.07% or P13.09 billion in September from P17.47 trillion at end-August.

September marked the second straight month of decline in outstanding debt.

However, this was still 0.6% above the projected year-end debt level of P17.36 trillion.

“The continued decrease reflects the government's sound fiscal discipline, strategic borrowing strategy, and proactive liability management, supported by steady market conditions and robust domestic investor confidence,” the Treasury said.

Year on year, NG debt rose by 9.83% from P15.89 trillion at the end of September 2024, the BTr said.

NG debt is the total amount owed by the Philippine government to creditors such as international financial institutions, development partner countries, banks, global bondholders and other investors.

“The September figures affirm the Marcos, Jr. administration’s strong fiscal discipline and proactive debt management, ensuring that government financing remains sustainable, strategic, and supportive of the country’s growth priorities,” BTr said.

In September, the bulk or 68.6% of the total debt stock came from domestic sources, while the rest came from external sources. The BTr said this was “consistent with the government’s policy of reducing foreign exchange risk while deepening domestic capital market development.”