    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [September 5, 1995]
    [Page 1309]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting the Philippines-United States
    Legal Assistance Treaty
    September 5, 1995

    To the Senate of the United States:
        With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification, I transmit herewith the Treaty Between the Government of
    the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the
    Philippines on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed at
    Manila on November 13, 1994. I transmit also, for the information of the
    Senate, the report of the Department of State with respect to the
    Treaty.
        The Treaty is one of a series of modern mutual legal assistance
    treaties being negotiated by the United States in order to counter
    criminal activity more effectively. The Treaty will enhance our ability
    to investigate and prosecute a wide variety of crimes, including drug
    trafficking and terrorism offenses. The Treaty is self-executing.
        The Treaty provides for a broad range of cooperation in criminal
    matters. Mutual assistance available under the Treaty includes: taking
    of testimony or statements of persons; providing documents, records, and
    items of evidence; serving documents; locating or identifying persons or
    items; transferring persons in custody for testimony or other purposes;
    executing requests for searches and seizures; assisting in proceedings
    related to forfeiture of assets, restitution, and collection of fines;
    and any other form of assistance not prohibited by the laws of the
    Requested State.
        I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration
    to the Treaty and give its advice and consent to ratification.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    September 5, 1995.