Manila c.bank says CPI data supports easy policy stance

MANILA, Feb 5 - A slight easing in the Philippines' annual inflation rate in January supports the central bank's view that current policy settings were appropriate, a central bank deputy governor said on Friday.

Armando Suratos, also acting central bank governor, also told reporters via a mobile text message that inflation remained on track to hit the central bank's target of 3.5 to 5.5 percent this year and 3-5 percent next year.