Manila, July 31 -- An economist remains hopeful of a 5.5 to 6 percent growth for the Philippine economy this year, amidst the hike in US tariff rates, saying there are domestic factors that will bolster domestic expansion.

These include election spending for the May 2025 midterm polls, a manageable inflation rate, and additional cuts in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) key rates, the latter two of which are seen to boost domestic spending, are seen to counter any impact of higher US tariffs.

"Drag on Philippine GDP (gross domestic product) could be limited, as the Philippine economy is less reliant on exports as a source of economic growth. Philippine merchandise exports are three to five times lower compared to major ASEAN (Assoc...