MANILA, Philippines -- Economic output in the fourth quarter will be at least 4.6 percent higher year-on-year, a senior official said Wednesday.

For the fourth quarter, growth would be "4.6 percent and above," Economic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto told reporters.

He said personal consumption would continue to be strong in the quarter.

Recto also predicted full-year gross domestic product growth would be close to 4.6 percent.

Growth last year hit a 31-year peak of 7.2 percent.