MANILA, Nov 25 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday that the Philippines should record a balance of payments surplus of $6 billion in 2009, higher than a previous estimate made by the institution of a $4.9 billion surplus.

Il Houng Lee, the head of an IMF mission that has just concluded a visit to Manila, also said that the BOP surplus in 2010 should amount to $4.5 billion.

(Reporting by Karen Lema)

((manolo.serapio@thomsonreuters.com; +632 841 8936; Reuters Messaging: manolo.serapio.reuters.com@reuters.net)) Keywords: PHILIPPINES ECONOMY/BOP

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