Francis Bichara

Al Francis C. Bichara (born September 17, 1952) is a Filipino politician and current provincial governor of Albay in Bicol Region of the Philippines. He assumed in office since June 2016.

The Honorable Al Francis Bichara
Bichara in 2018
Governor of Albay
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2016
Vice Governor	Harold Imperial Edcel Lagman Jr.
Preceded by	Joey Salceda
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 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 District
In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995
Preceded by	Efren R. Sarte
Succeeded by	Romeo R. Salalima
Personal details
Born	(1952-09-17) September 17, 1952 Albay, Philippines
Nationality	Filipino
Political party	Nacionalista Party

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 Nacionalista Party.

In 2016, he ran for governor under the Nacionalista Party and won.