New Philippine Bank Notes Criticized

image from BSP

From the time I heard about the release of the new Philippine bank notes late last year, I am already excited to have my own. I have seen one in person, a friend's Php20 bill. The old peso bills are still the ones in circulation.I like it that they changed the sad faces to happier ones. Ignoring the side comments about geographical errors and wrong colors of animals, I see the design better than the old notes. And it's not a welcome magazine from Philippine Airlines or a brochure guide to the Philippines. It's paper bills and also not companychecks.
There were also commentaries with regards to the unattributed Bible text which they say has a religious color coming from a Christian text which says,

"PINAGPALA ANG BAYAN NA ANG DIYOS AY ANG PANGINOON."

(Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.)

Rizalists and Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ say it is a conflict to Section 5 of the Bill of Rights which states:

Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

...both direct and direct aid to religion are prohibited especially if the support involves preference of one religion over another or preference of religion over irreligion;

My thoughts: I don't think it's a direct or even indirect aid to (Christian) religion. Their statements are the ones of discrimination. I hope people would stop being critical and see the text as plain as it is, no hidden meanings. It's Christian, Catholic, Islam, Iglesia altogether coz it speaks of our God, the God of all. It's a mark and a reminder for all Filipinos about our country's reverence to God.
What can you say?