Al Francis Bichara

The Honorable
Al Francis Bichara
The Honorable Al Francis Bichara
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
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

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.

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

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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[1] Iglesias, Iza (December 10, 2016). "Albay's devoted son". The Manila Times. Retrieved July 20, 2021.

[2] 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.

[3] Serrano, Mar (May 15, 2019). "'Old guards' dominate Albay politics". PNA. Retrieved July 18, 2021.