Manila - Philippine share prices fell for the second straight session Wednesday, declining 2.51 per cent on persistent worries over rising inflation.

The 30-share composite index of the Philippine Stock Exchange lost 66.67 points to close at 2,579.28.

A total of 4.92 billion shares worth 2.8 billion pesos (63.57 million dollars) were traded.

Losers led gainers 87 to 23 while 44 issues were unchanged.

Analysts said market sentiment remained bearish over concerns about growing inflationary risks amid high oil and food prices, which could drag down economic growth. (dpa)