AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH TRANSPORTATION AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 002021 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS SINGAPORE FOR TSA E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: PGOV PINS ELTN ECPS RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY: SECURITY ISSUES DOMINATE REF: A.) MANILA 0367 B.) 05 MANILA 3955 ¶1. (U) Sensitive but Unclassified -- Not For Internet -- Please Handle Accordingly. ¶2. (SBU) Summary. In her first meeting with Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza on May 9, the Ambassador focused discussion on: the Philippine Transportation Security Authority Bill; GRP Progress on implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code; and, continued USG support of training for airport inspectors. The Ambassador secured a commitment for a USG walk-through of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, though no timetable for the terminal's activation has been set. End Summary. -------------- Questions and Answers -------------- ¶3. (SBU) The Ambassador, accompanied by the Transportation Security Attache, met with Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza on May 9. Mendoza was accompanied SIPDIS by Undersecretary for Air Transportation and Staff Services Edward Harun V. Pagunsan, Undersecretary for Transport Security Cecilio R. Penilla, and Head Executive Assistant to the Secretary Romeo T. German. During the discussion, the Secretary provided an overview of his responsibilities, and SIPDIS thanked the Transportation Security Attache for her continuing support of the initiative to consolidate all transportation security responsibilities under the Department of Transportation and Communications. The Ambassador asked what the USG could do to support the GRP's efforts in transportation security. The Secretary responded with a request for additional resources and training, but did not specify what kind. -------------- Pending Legislation -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Secretary Mendoza noted the importance of the pending Transportation Security Authority Bill, which would: consolidate three executive orders establishing the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) into law; grant the OTS enforcement and sanction authority against violators of aviation security standards; and, grant the legislative authority to collect fees to fund the transportation security infrastructure. Undersecretary Penilla stated that while the Department had requested certification of the legislation as urgent, no action had been taken by the President's office and no timeframe was offered for the bill's engrossment or passage. -------------- Port Security, Training and a New Airport -------------- ¶5. (SBU) During the meeting, Undersecretary Penilla stated the GRP was "100 percent in compliance" with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. (Note: While Mission has previously reported that the GRP is receiving assistance to meet the Code's standards (ref A),we question whether the GRP has achieved full compliance. End Note.) ¶6. (SBU) Secretary Mendoza made a general request for USG assistance in training, but did not articulate any specific training needs. (Note: In the past, Mendoza has identified the need for Civil Aviation security inspectors' training to enhance the GRP's ability to correct deficiencies in its daily operations. End Note.) The Ambassador acknowledged the Secretary's request for additional training but made no commitment. ¶7. (SBU) Secretary Mendoza agreed to allow an inspection of MANILA 00002021 002 OF 002 NAIA Terminal 3 by U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials prior to the opening of the facility. When a date is set, TSA Officials will accompany the Ambassador and other Emboffs on a private walkthrough with airport staff. However, the opening of the new terminal is still in limbo, as the controversies that have surrounded it since its completion remain (ref B). Kenney