I join the Filipino people and the rest of the world in praying for the Holy Father.

Pope John Paul II has an endearing place in the heart of millions of the Filipino faithful for the special care and attention he has shown to us, and it saddens us all to hear the news of his grave condition.

BINAN, Laguna – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cited today the teamwork of the Philippine National Police and the Optical Media Board (OMB) that resulted in the seizure of P600 million worth of replicating machines and fake digital video discs (DVDs) and the arrest of 11 Chinese nationals during an operation inside the Laguna International Industrial Park (LIIP) Friday night.

"Congratulations for a very, very good job," the President told PNP Region IV Regional Director Chief Supt. Jesus Versoza; Supt. Rodrigo Agoho, team leader of the Regional Special Operations Group; Atty. Marivic Benedicto of the OMB; and the men and women of the Regional Intelligence Division of the PNP Region IV.

The President issued the remark during her surprise visit and inspection of Bright Future Technology along Ganado St. inside the Laguna International Industrial Park in Binan, Laguna

The Chief Executive had earlier visited and inspected the facilities of the Terumo Philippines Corp. along East Main Avenue, Laguna Technopark. The Japanese-owned firm pioneers in the manufacture of plastic medical equipment such as syringes and catheters.

The President presented to media the 11 Chinese nationals who were found to be undocumented aliens and have no work permits.

Atty. Benedicto informed the President that the raid was conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Antonio Eugenio of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 24.

Confiscated inside the warehouse were eight units of replicating DVD machines, finished DVD products, and several used motorcycles.

BINAN, Laguna – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited today the facilities of a Japanese firm pioneering in the manufacture of plastic medical equipment at the Laguna Technopark here.

Terumo Philippines Corporation, which started its commercial operation in the country in 2000 with a capitalization of P2 billion, is investing an additional P2.7 billion to expand its operations in the country.

The Japanese firm specializes in the manufacture of medical products such as syringes, catheters and digital blood pressure monitoring units.

Terumo also manufactures digital thermometers, oxygenerator machine, urinary drainage bags and other plastic medical equipment.

The President arrived at the Laguna Technopark at 10:30 a.m. and was welcomed by Terumo officials headed by the company president, Yoshimo Nagamine, who briefed her on the company’s operations.

She also viewed a display of Terumo’s products at the main lobby of the company building.

Nagamine told the President the company’s latest digital blood pressure monitoring units are exported to the United States, Asia, Europe and other countries.

The President, who was accompanied by Philippine Export Processing Zone (PEZA) Director Lilia de Lima, also inquired about the condition of the 830 Filipino workers employed by the corporation.

The company’s Filipino work force is expected to increase to 1,500 when its new plant facility starts operation in 2006.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be the guest speaker at the inaugural ceremony of the six-day 112^th International Parliamentary Union (IPU) general assembly that opens Sunday evening at the Philippine International Convention Center along Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City.

The Geneva-based IPU, of which the Philippines is an active member, is the premier international organization of parliaments of sovereign states. Composed of 144 national parliaments, its current president is Chilean Senator Sergio Paez.

In a radio interview today, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said the IPU assembly in Manila is a big opportunity to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination.

"We know that the International Parliamentary Union is a very important world body. Those attending IPU conferences are usually the policymakers in their respective countries, so it is very important that we show to the delegates the best of the Philippines during their stay in the country," Bunye said.

"When they return to their countries, they will have reports about the Philippines. It is very important, therefore, that they have a good impression of our country," he added.

It will be the first time that the Philippines, through the Philippine Senate headed by Senate President Franklin Drilon, will be hosting the event.