MANILA, Philippines--The Ninoy Aquino International Airport failed an air safety standards test in 2007. Now, it remains to be seen whether it will pass an international security standards test.A team from the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is in town to conduct a five-day evaluation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport's compliance with global standards in securing air terminals, passengers and baggage, according to two senior airport security officials. The four-man TSA team would check whether security regulations being implemented at the airport's Terminals 1 and 2 measure up to standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the senior officials told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) on Sunday. The security audit is part of TSA's bi-annual evaluation of airports that host US carriers and local airlines that fly into American states and territories. Senior Supt. Efren Labiang, chief of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, confirmed the security audit. "They will look at the security measures that we impose," he said. Failing the test would mean carriers from the Philippines would face additional restrictions and processing procedures in the US. A bad rating could also affect travel and tourism promotions in other countries. In 2007, the US Federal Aviation Administration gave Philippine aviation safety systems a failing grade, saying its airport control tower was undermanned and there were lapses in pilot licensing and airworthiness certification procedures. Personnel proficiency and even bookkeeping procedures were found to be below ICAO standards. The ICAO lays down international civilian air travel regulations and holds regular audits to check on compliance by member-states. | 
