The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) released a data showing that the Philippine government’s total outstanding debt surpassed the P17-trillion mark in June as the administration issued securities during the month.

The total outstanding debt stood at $17.267 trillion as of end-June, up 2.1% from $16.918 trillion in May, and 11% higher than the $15.483 billion in June 2024.

The increase was attributed to “strong investor demand for government securities,” with $11.950-trilion worth of domestic borrowings during the month—$886.478 billion in treasury bills, and $11.063 trillion in treasury bonds.

“This strategy is consistent with the government’s goal to boost the local capital market while lowering foreign exchange risks and building investor trust in Philippine-issued securities,” the BTr said.

External debt stood at $5.316 trillion, marking a 3.5% increase from the $5.138 trillion in the previous month. This includes $2.602 trillion in loans, and $2.714 trillion in external debt securities.

“The national government’s prudent debt management approach strategy reflects the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to safeguarding fiscal sustainability, supporting inclusive growth, and ensuring that every peso borrowed is used to build a stronger economy for the Filipino people,” the BTr said.