EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2043
,'lFRCCflVtDV,
5o E-FILED Qx
U tnnTff February 8 2021 fTtl
time: 03:52 pm
by:
INDEX,
Introduced by SENATOR RICHARD J. GORDON
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING A NEW FILIPINO GESTURE OF RESPECT,
GOODWILL, AND PRAISE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
We Filipinos are known for our hospitality and goodwill. We always take our 
time to give a cheerful greeting to the people we know, from a simple handshake to 
a homely "beso-beso". In the same light, we also like to show our affection and 
praise to those who deserve it, may it be a pat on the back, a high-five, or even a 
hug with our arms wide-open. Unfortunately, the pandemic has changed a lot of our 
ways and we must now adjust to the "new normal", one where limited social contact 
is needed if we are to protect not just ourselves but also everyone about us.
Numerous studies have shown that respiratory viruses, especially COVID-19 
can be passed by shaking hands and other physical contact. Thus we must resort to 
other ways to greet one another or to show our affection, respect, and praise to the 
people around us. This bill aims to establish a new Filipino gesture, one that would 
signify goodwill, respect, and praise while observing proper health protocols. The 
new normal should not be the end to the Filipino hospitality and goodwill, rather it 
must be an improvement of these Filipino traits. It is for the reasons stated above 
that the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
RDON
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
)
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2043
Introduced by SENATOR RICHARD J. GORDON
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING A NEW FILIPINO GESTURE OF RESPECT,
GOODWILL, AND PRAISE
Be ft enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SEC. 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby the declared policy of the State protect
2 
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among
3 
them especially during this pandemic. The State shail also promote measures to
4 
ensure that proper health protocols are observed in everyday social conduct.
5 
SEC. 2. Coverage. - This law shall cover all Filipino citizens and other persons in the
6 
Phiiippines.
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17
SEC. 3. Way of Greetings -- A new and safe gesture of respect, goodwiii, and praise 
shail be observed and performed through the simple act of gracefully laying the palm 
of the right hand over the center of one's chest while simultaneously lowering the 
head.
SEC. 4. Information Dissemination - Ail government agencies and 
instrumentalities shall allocate their respective resources for information dissemination 
and to encourage the practice of the new gesture.
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations - Within thirty (30) days from the 
approval of this Act, the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department 
of Education, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Presidential 
Communications Operations Office, Phiiippine Information Agency, and other


1 
concerned stakeholders, formulate and issue the implementing rules and regulations
2 
of this Act.
3 
SEC. 14. Repealing Clause. - Ali iaws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive
4 
orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules and regulations contrary to
5 
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or
6 
amended accordingly.
7 
SEC. 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
8 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
9 
Approved,