EXPANDED. The Philippine economy expanded by 7.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022, slower than the previous three month's 7.6 percent, amid the elevated inflation rate and on the back of strong pent-up demand. Full-year growth, however, still exceeded the government's 6.5 to 7.5 percent target band after it hit 7.6 percent. (PNA file photo) MANILA - The Philippine economy expanded by 7.2 percent in the last quarter of 2022, bringing full-year growth to 7.6 percent, driven by increased economic activity mainly from pent-up demand as it fully reopened amid elevated inflation rate. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said among the major emerging economies in the region that have released their fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth, the Philippines grew the fastest, followed by Vietnam at 5.9 percent and China at 2.9 percent. "Our improved Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) risk management and the easing of mobili