FACTBOX-Philippine policymakers' comments on rates, economy

MANILA, Nov 5 - Following are comments by senior Philippine policymakers since the central bank's last rate-setting meeting on Oct. 1.

The central bank will announce the outcome of its latest policy review soon after 0800 GMT on Thursday.

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CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR AMANDO TETANGCO, IN A TEXT MESSAGE TO REPORTERS AFTER THE RELEASE OF OCTOBER INFLATION DATA, NOV 5:

"The uptick was primarily due to supply pressures in agricultural products brought about by the recent typhoons."

"We expect this to be largely temporary, with the underlying near-term trend remaining manageable."

DIWA GUINIGUNDO, DEPUTY CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR, IN A TEXT MESSAGE TO REUTERS AFTER FED DECISION, NOV 5:

"Our own assessment is based on domestic inflation outlook and state of inflation expectations. Also the balance of risks. At best such U.S. stance adds room for flexibility."

GUINIGUNDO, TO REPORTERS, ON NOT IMPOSING MEASURES TO LIMIT CAPITAL INFLOWS, NOV 1:

"We did not do that in the past, and we will still not do that. Doing so will only scare the market and drive away foreign investments."

TETANGCO, TO REPORTERS, ON 2009, 2010 INFLATION FORECASTS, OCT 30: "There might be some slight upward adjustment in the forecast...But because of the substantial headroom that we have relative to the inflation target, we don't see an immediate risk of a breach of the target."

The central bank has the "flexibility to maintain" current policy stance.

TETANGCO, IN A TEXT MESSAGE TO REPORTERS, ON ANNUAL OCT INFLATION FORECAST, OCT 27:

"There may be a slight uptick in our full year baseline forecast for both 2009 and 2010 but both will still be well within their respective target ranges."

TETANGCO TO REPORTERS, ON OCT 14:

"There's enough headroom in case there will be an uptick in the inflation rate."

"The favourable inflation outlook gives us room to maintain the stance of monetary policy for now.

SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY AUGUSTO SANTOS, TOLD A MEDIA BRIEFING, OCT 14:

"We expect the Philippine economy to attain the high end of the... growth projection."*

TETANGCO IN A TEXT MESSAGE TO REPORTERS, ON TYPHOON IMPACT ON PRICES:

"Looking ahead, the recent natural disasters might pose some pressure on food items in both the national capital region and the provinces."

"We do not expect such pressure to be significant, however, considering that the government has accumulated rice and corn stocks much more than the normal requirements."

TETANGCO IN AN INTERVIEW WITH REUTERS, OCT 5:

"At this point in time, our stance is seen to be appropriate. The inflation outlook remains favourable."

"While the economy continues to grow, there are still some soft spots, particularly investment and labour market conditions, so we can afford to maintain the monetary policy stance for a short time."

"I think we will be growing at around 1.5 pct for the year as a whole."

NOTE:

* Manila is targeting economic growth of 0.8-1.8 percent this year.