Philippine central bank says it has room to bolster growth

Manila

THE Philippine central bank has policy space to support growth and stem market volatility, its governor said on the weekend, underscoring the authorities' readiness to act as uncertainties cloud the outlook for the global economy.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Amando Tetangco said authorities must stay vigilant to risks to the economy posed by the eurozone's debt crisis, slowing Chinese growth and the prospect of higher interest rates in the United States, although he expects the country to weather a "taper tantrum"-style shock.