President Rodrigo Duterte has raised the bounty from PhP10million to PhP 50 million for anyone who discovers a vaccine against Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“I’d rather spend all of our money in connection with COVID: discovery, assistance, lahat. Sabi ko sa’yo sa oras lalabas ang vaccine, i-lift ko. I-lift ko kaagad. I-lift ko, wala ng seremonya. Huwag na kayong maghintay basta ‘pag sabi may vaccine. (I’m telling you, when the vaccine becomes available, I will immediately lift [the ECQ], no ceremonies required. You don’t have to wait when a vaccine is available.),” the President assured.
Meanwhile, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Dominguez disclosed that PhP 352.7 billion have already been used out of the PhP 4.1 trillion 2020 budget due to the COVID-19 crisis. President Duterte ensured authorities are doing their best to avoid the depletion of government funds.
Report from Mela Lesmoras
