Al Francis Bichara

Al Francis Bichara
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Albay's 2nd District
Incumbent
Assumed office
June 30, 2007
Preceded by Carlos R. Imperial
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Albay's 3rd District
In office
June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995
Preceded by Efren R. Sarte
Succeeded by Romeo R. Salalima
Governor of Albay
In office
June 30, 1995 – June 30, 2004
Personal details
Born September 17, 1952 (1952-09-17) (age 59)
Albay, Philippines
Nationality Filipino
Religion Roman Catholic

Al Francis C. Bichara (born September 17, 1952) is a Filipino politician.

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.

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.[1]

In 2007, Bichara returned to the House of Representatives, this time winning election as the Representative from the 2nd District of Albay. He is currently a member of the Nactionalista Party.

Notes

  1. ^ Aubrey Makilan (August, 2006). "Only 3,400 of OFWs in Lebanon Could Come Home". Bulalat. http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-25/6-25-plan.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-09. 

See also

References

House of Representatives of the Philippines
Preceded by
Efren R. Sarte
Representative, 3rd District of Albay
1992–1995
Succeeded by
Romeo R. Salalima
Preceded by
Carlos R. Imperial
Representative, 2nd District of Albay
2007–present
Succeeded by
Incumbent