That range reflects consensus confidence slightly below the government’s official target range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent of growth for 2017. Nevertheless, the Philippines is seen remaining a major performer in Asia this year upon delivery even of such lower-than-officially-expected growth. The global bank lowered its expectation for the country’s economic growth this year to 6.5 percent from its estimate of 6.8 percent for 2016. Still, it falls below the official growth target in the range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. For this year alone, Moody’s is predicting that GDP would rise 6.5 percent, with key domestic drivers of growth expected to remain solid.

Source: Manila Times January 13, 2017 17:01 UTC