MANILA - Philippine annual inflation probably accelerated in October due to higher food prices, a Reuters poll showed, but the uptick is unlikely to nudge the central bank to change its easy monetary stance.

The poll of 11 economists shows annual inflation at 1.6 percent in October, near the high end of the central bank's 0.8-1.7 percent estimate, versus 0.7 percent in September and reflecting higher food costs caused by recent typhoons.

Economists also expect the central bank to keep its overnight borrowing rate unchanged at a record low of 4 percent for the third meeting in a row on Thursday.

Some analysts predicted the first rate hike will come in the first quarter of next year but a majority see no change in rates until the second quarter of 2010.

Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco said on Friday the central bank may slightly raise its inflation forecasts for 2009 and 2010 due to increasing risks to the outlook, though prices remain manageable and should allow authorities to keep its easy stance.