A bill replacing “pagmamano” and handshake to show respect and acknowledgment has been passed by the House of Representatives on second reading.
House Bill 8149 or the “Bating Pilipino para sa Kalusugan Act” by Marikina Representative Bayani Fernando aims to lessen physical contact to prevent the spread of diseases
The bill proposes to replace the gestures with placing of the right palm of an individual to his/her chest while bowing with the eyes closed or looking down.
According to Congressman Fernando, the proposed replacement is a universal gesture of good faith while the bowing is a traditional respectful sign by Filipinos. Fernando added that medical professionals have known for a long time the health threat of handshakes since it can transmit diseases. – PTV News
