The Philippine economy could still hit at least the lower end of the government's target this year as 'artificial stimulants' could boost consumption in the last quarter, according to University of Asia and the Pacific economist Bernardo Villegas.

'I am maintaining my 4-percent forecast, which I made very early in this year, because I think that in November, and December we will have, admittedly, still an artificial stimulant from the Christmas mood that consumers will have,' he said on Wednesday at the Chamber of Thrift Banks 2021 Virtual Convention.