Manila  - Inflation in the Philippines eased to 1.5 per cent in June, its lowest rate in 22 years, amid a slowdown in price increases of basic commodities, the government said Tuesday.

The National Statistics Office said the June rate was the lowest since April 1987 when inflation measured 1 per cent.

The index was down from 3.3 per cent in May and 11.4 per cent in the same month last year.

"The inflation rate for food alone at the national level further went down to 3 per cent in June from 6 per cent in May," the Statistics Office said in a statement.

Economic analysts said the lower inflation rate would give the central bank room to lower its benchmark interest rates to spur economic activity amid the continuing global slowdown.

The June inflation rate brought to 5 per cent the average inflation rate for the first half of the year, the Statistics Office said. (dpa)