“History is repeating itself and present turn of events are bridging the generation gap between youth activists of today and our counterparts 35 years ago.”

This was youth group Anakbayan’s statement on the 35th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law as it joined other human rights and cause-oriented groups in the commemoration march-protest held in Manila today.

“While Martial Law veterans are experiencing a sense of déjà vu, young activists today are encountering how it was during the dark days of martial rule. It is characterized not only by a kind of state terror more blatant and merciless than before, but also by corruption and economic plunder at its worst under the new Arroyo dictatorship,” said Anakbayan chairperson Eleanor de Guzman.

De Guzman cited the continuing spate of political killings, the latest of which was the murder of an urban poor leader in Cavite, the political persecution and repression of government critics, legitimacy issues and the recent explosive ZTE controversy.

“All these remain unresolved because the Arroyo administration persists on employing martial rule tactics in order to evade accountability. Accountability is tantamount to yielding power, a thing unimaginable for this dictator administration,” said de Guzman.

First Couple and the Cabinet of Cons

Anakbayan, however, stressed that the ZTE controversy is a volatile political issue that the First Couple and all others involved should face squarely.

“Gone are the days when the President and her spokespersons can easily brush off controversies involving the First Gentleman. FG Mike is not just a mere thorn in Mrs. Arroyo’s side. The ZTE deal proves once and for all that he is none other than her accomplice. They are partners in crime, for bitter and for worse,” de Guzman said.

De Guzman also slammed the accounts and testimonies of involved Cabinet officials in yesterday’s ZTE hearings, attributing it to a ‘well-rehearsed script’ concocted by the rendezvous Cabinet meeting called by the President the night before.

“Practice makes perfect, and they have been doing white-wash and cover-ups for a long time now. If Erap had his own ‘Midnight Cabinet’, Arroyo has her version of ‘Cabinet of Cons’.”

Finally, Anakbayan challenged Speaker Jose de Venecia. “You can cover your ears all you want but the noise won’t stop unless you speak up, Mr. Speaker. At least your son has guts, what have you got?