Álvaro Antonio

He took a leave after 3 terms and then lost in 2019 to incumbent Governor Mamba landing only in third place.

Shunning better-paying offers, Antonio started his career as a pro bono lawyer at the Citizen's Legal Action Office (later on Public Attorney's Office). His resolve to assist the less fortunate through his legal service, is one which reechoes his belief that 'those who have less in life must have more in law!' After his dedicated stint as a pro bono Lawyer, Antonio heeded the people's cry that he serve them as their local chief executive. He thus ran and won as mayor of his hometown, namely Alcala Town, in Cagayan Province. Antonio's popularity grew, as he became an outstanding mayor dedicated to uplifting the lives of his constituents. Thus in 2007, he was elected as Governor of Cagayan Province, with the support of then Congressman Manuel Mamba and Senator Enrile. Congressman Mamba broke away with the alliance because of allegations of corruption and jueteng against Antonio.

With an aptitude for classical studies, Antonio spent his high school years at San Jacinto Seminary, where he graduated in 1968. He thereafter went to the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in Manila, to pursue his college studies. Governor Antonio completed his baccalaureate in philosophy, with honors, in 1972.

Alvaro Trinidad Antonio, also known by his nickname Bong or Ambong, (born February 19, 1952) is a Filipino politician, who was the Governor of Cagayan from 2007 to 2016. He is a former pro-bono lawyer at the Citizen's Legal Action Office (now known as Public Assistance Office or PAO) and a former mayor of Alcala.