UPDATE 2-Philippines eyes record 600,000 T rice tender

* Tender for supply of 25 pct brokens set for Dec. 1

* State agency sets budget of around $541/T C&F

* Rice prices seen rising 5-10 pct on Manila's plan-trade (Recasts, adds traders' comments) (For a factbox on Philippine rice purchases, click on [ID:nMAN520889])

By Manolo Serapio Jr.

MANILA, Nov 9 (Reuters) - The Philippines is coming back to the market for the second time in a month with a tender for 600,000 tonnes of rice in December, its largest ever single buy that could see prices spike.

The world's largest rice importer is securing stocks after storms damaged croplands in the main rice growing areas about a month ago. Traders say it is seeking to ensure there is enough of the national staple ahead of general elections in May.

State-run National Food Authority (NFA) said on Monday it is seeking 600,000 tonnes of 25 percent broken white rice at a tender on Dec. 1. It is the first time the agency has tendered for a volume this big, according to NFA data.

The grain is scheduled for arrival between February and May 2010.

"This is such a huge amount of rice, and that should drive up the price globally," said Chookiat Ophaswongse, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.