The Philippines has enough rice stocks until year-end and will import for its 2010 needs in due time, a top official said on Monday, wary that more purchases by the world's largest rice buyer could push prices higher.

Manila is looking to import more of the grain to avoid a potential supply shortage in the first half of 2010, after typhoons hit many rice-producing areas.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Sunday said any importation of food items must be done at the earliest.

''2009 rice supply is okay...2010 (requirements) will be bought at the appropriate time,'' Yap said in a mobile phone text message, when asked about the country's import plans.

Yap declined to say how much rice would be imported.

''I will not tell you the volume and when because prices tend to go up. We cannot announce when we're going to buy because it will affect prices and if it affects prices, the government has to spend more,'' he said after a congressional budget hearing.

Government rice stocks, held through the state's National Food Authority, now stand at 1.25 million tonnes, good for 35 days of consumption.

Vietnam and Thailand are traditional rice suppliers to the Philippines. But, since last year, Manila has bought the bulk of its needs from Hanoi, including 1.5 million tonnes in an inter-government deal earlier this year. (Reuters)