Philippines: Interest rates may be augmented further contingent upon the February inflation rate.

Central Bank Governor Medalia said on Thursday that the central bank would raise interest rates by a further 0.50 percentage point at its March 23 monetary policy meeting if inflation rises above 9% in February. Inflation rose to 8.7% in January, the highest in 14 years, and it is pointed out that the February inflation rate due to be announced on the 7th of this month may reach 9%. (3rd, Business World)