Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee was quoted as saying in the statement. "This is a major development in deepening the local capital markets space as we expect other banks to follow suit. This maiden issuance allows Metrobank to establish its own credit curve and will serve as a benchmark not only for its future issuances but also for other bank issuers," Standard Chartered Bank Philippines CEO Lynette V. Ortiz said. Last month, Metrobank likewise raised some P8.68 billion from the first tranche of its P25-billion long-term negotiable certificates of deposit program. The notes will mature in 5.5 years to be paid quarterly and carry a 5.375% rate. Metrobank posted a P5.3-billion income in the second quarter, up 31% from the P3.9 billion tallied the previous year on the back of its robust core business. Shares in Metrobank went down 50 centavos or 0.76% to close at P65.05 each on Friday.