MANILA, Philippines?Maguindanao Representative Simeon Datumanong, a relative of the Ampatuans and an administration ally, hailed the lifting of martial law in his home province, saying his constituents' lives would now return to normal.

It would also ease the fears of his constituents of warrantless arrests and searches, Datumanong added.

?I think now that that's lifted, the people's fears against arrest without warrant, search without warrant would be gone,? he said over the phone.

He added that he does not need to ask questions in the joint session on Monday, which could now be closed.

He said he also had no hand in the President's decision to lift martial law.

?That's purely the discretion of the President,? he said.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, in announcing the lifting of martial law, said the proclamation was still being drafted and would take effect at 9 p.m. Saturday. Martial law was imposed in Maguindanao Friday night last week.