Philippines central bank sees inflation ‘back to normal’ near 3% later this year

MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine inflation is likely to be closer to 3% in late-2023 and in 2024, central bank governor Felipe Medalla said on Tuesday.

Medalla, speaking at a media forum, also said the economy remained strong and that pent-up domestic demand will continue driving growth.

“By the third quarter of this year, inflation will be back to normal,” he said.

Annual inflation soared to 8.1% in December, the highest since 2008, bringing the full-year average to 5.8%, outside the central bank’s 2%-4% target range.

The central bank earlier this month said it was ready to take all policy action necessary to bring inflation back within the target.

Monetary authorities are meeting for a rate setting meeting on Feb. 16.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Ed Davies)

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