Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No. 8427

Introduced by Representative
BAYANI FERNANDO

AN ACT
TO PROMOTE A NEW PILIPINO GESTURE OF GOODWILL AND PRAISE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The medical profession has established for ages that the traditional handshake is
a risk to health; with the innocent well-meaning gesture of handshake
communicable diseases are transferred from person to person

This house bill seeks to promote the simple act of gracefully laying the palm of
the right hand over the center of the chest with simultaneously a slight head nod
and an appropriate verbal greeting as “The Pilipino Official Gesture of Goodwill
and Praise” as an alternative to the traditional handshake.

Furthermore, placing the hand over the chest is a gesture of good faith coming
from the heart, while the nod is a traditional Pilipino gesture of respect.

The purpose of this bill is in accord with Article II, Section 15 of the 1987
constitution, which provides:
“Sec. 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them.”

1e foregoing, immediate approval of approval of this bill is earnestly


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No. esed

Introduced by Representative
BAYANI FERNANDO

AN ACT
TO PROMOTE A NEW PILIPINO GESTURE OF GOODWILL AND PRAISE

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Pagbating Pilipino”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. — Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution
states that The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people
and instill health consciousness among them.

Whereas, the medical profession has established for ages that the traditional
handshake is a risk to health. The innocent well-meaning gesture of handshake
transfers communicable diseases are transferred from person to person.

Whereas, the simple act of gracefully laying the palm of the right hand over the
center of the chest and simultaneously with a slight head nod and an appropriate
verbal greeting as “The Pilipino Official Gesture of Goodwill and Praise” is a
better alternative to the traditional handshake.

Whereas, placing the hand over the chest is a universal gesture of good faith
coming from the heart, while the nod is a traditional Pilipino gesture of respect.

Section 3. Definition of Terms — For purposes of this Act, the term:

1. Infectious Disease — likely to be transmitted to people from another host or
the environment

2. Goodwill — of trust and good faith among a companion

3. Gesture — a movement expressing faith or camaraderie

4. Praise - to show admiration and respect towards a person


Section 4. Promotion Campaign. — The Philippine Information Agency shall
take the lead to promote this practice and shall be practiced in all government
offices.

Section 5. Appropriations. - Such sum as may be necessary for the
implementation of this Act is hereby appropriated.

Section 6. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part thereof is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or the provision not otherwise
affected shail remain valid and subsisting.

Section 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation
contrary to or inconsistent with this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended
accordingly

Section 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation