BoB tests market with P3.5bn debt auction
Friday, April 26, 2024 | 390 Views |
Eyes on the ball: BoB governor, Cornelius Dekop. The central bank is the government’s principal economic advisor PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
The auction of two treasury bills and three bonds was due to take place on Thursday, according to a notice seen on the central bank’s website at press time on Wednesday.
At the auction, the BoB, acting as government’s capital market agent and chief fundraiser, was due to offer P2 billion in record breaking treasury bills equally divided in P1 billion each and bearing maturities of three and six months. Also on offer for bidders were three reopened bonds ranging in maturities from 2027 to 2040.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...