Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman on Tuesday warned that President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of national emergency on account of lawless violence hangs like a Damocles sword over the citizens’ head.

During a press briefing of the “legitimate” minority bloc at the House of Representatives, Lagman read out his copy of the declaration and noted that there is no period within which the declaration would be in effect.

“This proclamation of a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence shall remain in force and effect until lifted or withdrawn by the President,” Proclamation Order No. 55 read.

“‘Until lifted or withdrawn by the President’ – there is no period. This could be as long as the discretion of the President would allow him,” Lagman said.

Lagman expressed fears that without any given period, the president may use this declaration perpetually throughout his six-year term.

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