CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Newly-constructed steel gates located at the entrance of the provincial capitol gave bad impression among the regular visitors and residents in the city.

Dan Ombina, a visitor said the steel gates symbolize the exclusivity of the capitol compound as he said that it some how tells the separation of the capitol from the people.

“Maganda iyong fences ng Freedom Park. Pero huwag namang gawing dahilan iyong beautification para ilayo ang capitolyo sa mga tao. Okay na sana, nakasama lang iyong gate.”

Jun Esguerra, a resident and padjak driver here has likened the steel gate to that of the Maguindanao provincial capitol which he has observed while watching the Maguindanao massacre over the television.

Esguerra said that the steel gate seemed to give impression that the seating highest official at the capitol is hiding something from the people.

A bibingka vendor in front of the capitol who requested for anonymity said that the construction of the steel gate shows that the Freedom Park is now a private park. “Bala mu karen na yang ating pera at makisaken,” he said.

Owners of private vehicles even said that the gate has narrowed down the entrance that might put it in danger the driving public and it is prone to accident.

“Ngeni ku pa menakit kapitolyo na dapat sana lalapit me karing tao, pero king gewa ng over kill na pati entrance dininan dang steel gate, bala mu ali mu nala buring lungub deng kapampangan king kapitolyo,” visitors said. (Joel P. Mapiles)