# Migs Nograles

Margarita Ignacia "Migs" Bendigo Nograles-Almario (born September 29, 1990) is a Filipino lawyer and politician currently serving as the first nominee of the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list in the House of Representatives of the Philippines since 2022. She is also the Deputy Speaker of the House. Known for her advocacy for athletes and sports development, Nograles has also gained attention for her political campaigns, legal career, and legislative work.

## Early life and education

Nograles was born in Makati and raised in Davao City, Philippines. She comes from a prominent political family. Her father, the late Prospero "Boy" Nograles, served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010. Her brothers, Jericho Nograles and Karlo Nograles, are both former congressmen, with Karlo served as the chairman of the Civil Service Commission from 2022 to 2024. Her sister, Kristine Nograles-Hugo, is also a well-known figure in the Philippines.
Nograles began her college education at Ateneo de Manila University, where she pursued a degree in AB Management Economics but did not complete the program. She later transferred to Fordham University in New York, USA, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science.
She then pursued her legal education through the Juris Doctor-Master of Business Administration (MBA) Joint Consortium Program offered by Far Eastern University and De La Salle University, graduating as valedictorian with a gold medal for Academic Excellence. Additionally, she completed a special course in Arbitration from the Harvard Kennedy School. Nograles passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 2019.

## Career
### Legal career

Before entering politics, Nograles built a distinguished legal career. She worked as a lawyer at Villaraza & Angangco Law, a prominent law firm in the Philippines. She later became the Managing Partner of Nograles Ilagan Sagarino Selgas Cayco Aban & Dabi (NISSCAD) Law, a firm she co-founded in Davao City. She also served as a Law Professor, sharing her expertise with aspiring lawyers.

### Political career

In 2022, Nograles was elected as the first nominee of the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party List in the 19th Congress of the Philippines. She was subsequently appointed as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. As a congresswoman, she has focused on advocating for the welfare of athletes and promoting sports development in the country.
Nograles has also been involved in legislative work, authoring and co-authoring several bills and resolutions. One of her notable contributions is House Bill No. 00451, titled "An Act Encouraging Corporate Social Responsibility, Providing Incentives Therefor", which aims to promote sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
Nograles ran again for congresswoman, this time representing Davao City's 1st congressional district in 2025.

## Political campaigns

On October 8, 2024, Nograles filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the First Congressional District of Davao City, running as an independent candidate. She is challenging Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, the incumbent representative and son of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Her decision to run against Duterte has drawn significant attention, particularly in light of her public dare for him to undergo a hair follicle drug test, a challenge she issued in response to a similar call made by Vice President Sara Duterte for all candidates in the 2025 elections.
Nograles has also been involved in a public dispute with Duterte over the alleged suspension of medical and burial assistance provisions in Davao City. Duterte accused the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of failing to release funds, while Nograles countered that the DSWD has sufficient funds and that the notice of suspension was misinformation.

## Personal life

In 2024, Nograles married Cheeno Miguel Almario, the congressman of Davao Oriental.