Manila, Aug. 1 -- The Philippine economy likely grew at a faster pace in the second quarter of the year, driven by election-related spending and easing inflation, an economist from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said.

In a commentary on Friday, BPI lead economist Jun Neri said Philippine economic growth likely accelerated to 5.8 percent in the second quarter of the year, faster than the 5.4 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

"On the demand side, household consumption likely remained the main growth driver, supported by election-related spending, easing inflation, particularly the sustained decline in rice prices, and continued strength in consumer lending," Neri said.

"Stronger food exports may have been bolstered b...