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.

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Questions and Answers
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3. (SBU) The Ambassador, accompanied by the Transportation
Security Attache, met with Transportation and Communications
Secretary Leandro Mendoza on May 9. Mendoza was accompanied

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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

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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.

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Pending Legislation
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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.

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Port Security, Training and a New Airport
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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

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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