* reuters://realtime/verb=Open/url=cpurl://apps.cp./Apps/cb-polls?RIC=PHCBIR%3DECIpoll data
* Slowing inflation helps c.bank to cut rates
* Some economists expect further RRR cuts
By Karen Lema
MANILA, Sept 23 (Reuters) - The Philippine central bank willlikely step harder on the gas pedal to support economic growth,with big majority of economists in a Reuters poll predicting athird cut in interest rates this year on Thursday.
Ten out of 11 economists polled expect the central bank touse the room afforded to it by slowing inflation to cut the rateon its overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25basis points to 4.0%. The other economist forecast no change inrates.
HSBC economist Noelan Arbis said he expects a 25 bps cut onThursday and another in the first quarter of 2020."Leaving the policy rate at around 3.75% provides enough realrate buffer," he said in a note. "It also leaves enough policyspace to cut rates further in case of an economic slowdown."
Easing inflation has allowed the central bank to reversesome of its policy tightening last year. It trimmed its key rateby a total of 50 basis points in May and August, and the casefor a third cut was reinforced after growth slipped to itsweakest in 17 quarters in April-June.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno hasprepared the market for more policy easing when he said inAugust the central bank will make another 25 basis point ratereduction before the end of the year.
While the central bank will consider the impact of oilsupply disruptions in Saudi Arabia when it meets on Thursday,Diokno said last week it is the inflation forecast for Septemberthat will guide its policy decision.
The consumer prices index fell to a near three-year low inAugust, bringing the eight-month average inflation rate to 3.0%,well within the central bank's 2%-4% target for the year.
Four economists who gave forecasts for the reserverequirement ratio (RRR) said it is possible the central bankwould also announce a 1 percentage point cut on Thursday,following the 2 percentage phased reduction from May to July.
After Sept. 26, the central bank has two more policymeetings scheduled for this year.
(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Richard Borsuk)