House OKs proposed new Filipino way of greeting on 2nd reading

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the measure seeking to institutionalize a new Filipino gesture of respect, goodwill, and praise to help reduce physical contact amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In a vote of yes and no, the chamber approved House Bill 8149, or the proposed "Bating Pilipino Para Sa Kalusugan Act," principally authored by Marikina City Representative Bayani Fernando.

In this new way of gesture, the palm of the right hand would be laid over the center of the chest while simultaneously lowering the head, with eyes either closed or cast down.

The measure covers Filipino citizens and all other persons who are in the Philippines.

All government agencies and instrumentalities are mandated under the measure to allocate their respective resources for information dissemination and to encourage the practice of the new gesture. -MDM, GMA News