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
Preceded by	Danilo Azaña
Succeeded by	Fernando V. Gonzalez
Personal details
Born	September 17, 1952 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. Archived from the original on 21 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-09.

See also

• Tau Gamma Phi

References

• "Member Information: Al Francis C. Bichara". House of Representatives of the Philippines. Retrieved 2008-03-05.