'Bating Filipino': MPs in Philippines pass bill to create new Covid-safe greeting

Contactless greeting will help fight pandemic, say MPs of worst-hit country in south-east Asia, though some people would prefer more action on a vaccine

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House lawmakers in the Philippines have passed a bill to legislate a new, Covid-safe form of greeting in an effort to reduce contact during the pandemic.

According to the bill approved by the House of Representatives, the new gesture will involve gracefully laying the palm of the right hand over the centre of one's chest while simultaneously lowering the head, with eyes either closed or cast down".