Al Francis C. Bichara (born September 17, 1952) is a Filipino politician and former provincial governor of Albay in the Bicol Region of the Philippines from 1995 to 2004 and again from 2016 to 2022.
Al Francis Bichara | |
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| 22nd Governor of Albay | |
| In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Vice Governor | Harold Imperial Edcel Lagman Jr. |
| Preceded by | Joey Salceda |
| Succeeded by | Noel Rosal |
| In office June 30, 1995 – June 30, 2004 | |
| Preceded by | Danilo Azaña |
| Succeeded by | Fernando V. Gonzalez |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Albay's 2nd congressional district | |
| In office June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Carlos R. Imperial |
| Succeeded by | Joey Salceda |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Albay's 3rd congressional district | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995 | |
| Preceded by | Efren R. Sarte |
| Succeeded by | Romeo R. Salalima |
| Mayor of Ligao | |
| In office 1986 – June 30, 1992 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 17, 1952 Ligao, Albay, Philippines |
| Political party | PDP–Laban (2016-present) |
| Other political affiliations | Nacionalista (2007–2016) NPC (1992–2007) |
| Residence(s) | Legazpi City, Albay |
| Education | Aquinas University (BS, MA) |
| Occupation | Politician, diplomat |
| Profession | Civil Engineer |
A civil engineer by profession, Bichara's political career began when he served as mayor of Ligao City from 1986 to 1992. In 1992, Bichara was elected to the House of Representatives, representing the 3rd District of Albay. After one term in the House, Bichara was elected governor of Albay in 1995. He was re-elected as governor in 1998 and 2001.[1]
After the expiration of his third consecutive term as governor in 2004, Bichara was appointed Ambassador to Lebanon by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The 2006 Lebanon War broke out during his tenure as Ambassador, and he drew attention when he threatened to halt the evacuation of Filipinos in Lebanon due to the lack of funds.[2]
In 2007, Bichara returned to the House of Representatives, this time winning election as the Representative from the 2nd District of Albay. In 2016, he ran for governor under the Nacionalista Party and won. In 2019, he once again ran for re-election as governor this time under the PDP–Laban and won.[3]
References
edit- ^ Iglesias, Iza (December 10, 2016). "Albay's devoted son". The Manila Times. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
- ^ Aubrey Makilan (August 2006). "Only 3,400 of OFWs in Lebanon Could Come Home". Bulalat. Archived from the original on 21 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
- ^ Serrano, Mar (May 15, 2019). "'Old guards' dominate Albay politics". PNA. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
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