The president offers a reward for a cure for COVID-19. Here are the stories making the headlines on ANC today:

Wanted: A cure
President Rodrigo Duterte has offered a P10-million reward to any Filipino who discovers a vaccine for COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) has scaled down its laboratory operations after 43 medical workers tested positive for the coronavirus.

Lockdown blues
As the public awaits the president’s decision on whether to extend or modify the Luzon lockdown, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that relaxing quarantine restrictions could trigger a resurgence of COVID-19. Interior Sec. Eduardo Ano told condominium residents not to make their own quarantine rules. This is still a reaction to the BGC incident in the viral video. Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno ordered a 48-hour “hard lockdown” on the Sampaloc district due to rising cases of COVID-19.

Cheaper than water
A liter of diesel is now cheaper than a liter of bottled water. Acting National Economic Development Authority Sec. Gen. Karl Chua said the Philippines stands to gain from the plunge in world oil prices. He also expressed confidence the much ballyhooed “Build Build Build” infra push could jumpstart the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

Ramadan during lockdown
Muslims across the Middle East are bracing for a bleak Ramadan month as the region fights the coronavirus. Indonesia has banned its traditional Ramadan exodus to control the spread of the virus. How will Filipino Muslims observe the Ramadan during the lockdown?

Cast away
Diamond Princess steward Ian Frias is finding the bright side of his COVID-19 journey, despite still not being able to reunite with his family. He talks to ANCX’s Ces Drilon about his frustrations with the government’s response to seafarer’s predicament.