Al Francis Bichara

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Al Francis Bichara
Congressman of the Philippines
In office 1992 – 1995
Representative, 2nd District of Albay
In office 2007 – 2010

Born	September 17, 1952 (1952-09-17) (age 55) 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 1998. In 1992, Bichara was elected to the House of Representatives, representing the 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.

[edit] Notes

^ Aubrey Makilan. "Only 3,400 of OFWs in Lebanon Could Come Home", Bulalat, August, 2006. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.

[edit] See Also

Tau Gamma Phi

[edit] Reference

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

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