MANILA - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) can keep to its accommodative monetary policy stance after data showed the economy grew slower than expected in the third quarter, Governor Amando Tetangco said on Thursday.

"Given the within-target range outlook for inflation for 2009 and 2010, the BSP can afford to maintain its current monetary policy stance," he said in a text message to reporters.

"Nevertheless we will continue to watch developments to see if there is a need to make adjustments."

The BSP's next policy meeting is on December 17, its last for the year.