ASEAN LAW ASSOCIATION: Office Holders

Senator Edgardo J Angara

A product of the University of the Philippines (Bachelor of Laws, 1958), and the University of Michigan (Master of Laws, 1964), Senator Edgardo J. Angara founded one of the Philippines’ most prestigious law firms – the Angara, Concepcion, Cruz, Regala, Abello (ACCRA) Law Offices.

As President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, he was responsible to the establishment of its national headquarters and doing the spadework for the creation of the Asean Law Association.
He gained prominence during his stint as President of the University of the Philippines from 1981 to 1987. He placed 5th in the senatorial elections and served as Senate President from 1993 to 1995. As legislator, he was identified with landmark laws in education, health, the arts, and agriculture. Under his helm, he was responsible for the passage of 100 economic measures including the creation of the new Philippine Central Bank and incentives for foreign investors. As Secretary of Agriculture in 1998, he was responsible for the growth of the sector to 6.7 percent from its negative 6.6% performance.
He served as Chairman of the Philippine National Bank in 1999 until he assumed the position of Executive Secretary on January 6, 2001. Educator, legislator, banker, corporate lawyer, art patron and weekend farmer, Senator Angara served as the first President of the Asean Law Association from 1980 to 1982.