Reward for COViD-19 vaccine raised to P50M

“I’m raising the bounty to P50 million. I am giving P50 million sa group because it is a collegial thing,” Duterte said on Friday. 

Duterte announced last Tuesday that he will award P10 million to any Filipino who will be able to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, adding that he might even double the reward if he is satisfied with the results. 

The president said he is willing to provide sufficient funds for research purposes.

“If kailangan nila ng additional funding, all they have to do, I am announcing it, is mag-sabi lang sa DOH and I’d be glad to. If hindi masyadong malaki I will readily give it to them. I’d rather spend all the money in connection with the COVID, discovery, assistance, lahat.” Duterte said.

On the issue of funding, the president added that the government may be compelled to sell some of its properties if current funding becomes insufficient to address the crisis. 

Duterte also announced the extension of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and all other high risk areas to May 15. 

The areas identified as high risk include Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecijia, Pampanga, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Albay, and Catanduanes.