Hernani "Nani" Agsalud Braganza (born August 7, 1964) is a former Filipino politician and government official. He served under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as secretary of agrarian reform from 2001 to 2003, and briefly as press secretary from January to June 2003. Braganza also served in the House of Representatives as the representative for Pangasinan's 1st district from 1995 to 2001.
Early life and education Braganza was born on August 7, 1964 in Quezon City to Pedro Braganza and Purita Agsalud, a cousin of former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani and former president Fidel V. Ramos. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at De La Salle University.
Political career House of Representatives (1995–2001) In 1995, Braganza ran as an independent and was elected to the House of Representatives as the representative for Pangasinan's 1st district, succeeding Oscar Orbos who was elected provincial governor. He served until February 2001, when he resigned upon appointment by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as secretary of agrarian reform.
Cabinet service (2001–2004) Braganza served as secretary of agrarian reform until January 2003. He was later appointed press secretary by Arroyo on January 20, 2003. He also joined the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process as a member of the government's negotiating panel for peace talks with the CPP–NPA–NDF from March of the same year until January 2004.
He was also the Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs from 2003 to 2004.
Mayor of Alaminos, Pangasinan (2004–2013) After his cabinet service, Braganza ran for mayor of Alaminos City in Pangasinan, where he won three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2013, running as a member of the ruling party Lakas–CMD in 2004 and 2007, and switching to the Liberal Party (which also became the ruling party after President Benigno Aquino III's victory) in 2009.
In January 2013, complaints for plunder and malversation of public funds were filed against Braganza before the Ombudsman, which he denied stating that the 15 current and former barangay officials serving as complainants only requested an investigation on the matter.
2013 gubernatorial campaign Braganza launched a bid for the governorship of Pangasinan in 2013 against incumbent Amado Espino Jr., but lost, receiving 25% of the vote. He was notably supported by former president Fidel V. Ramos, while sister Leticia supported Espino.
2025 congressional campaign Braganza founded and became the first nominee of the Aksyon Dapat party-list in the 2025 House elections, but it placed 123rd, failing to win a seat.
Television hosting As of 2026, Braganza serves as a co-anchor on the Bilyonaryo News Channel program The Spokes, alongside former presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles.
Electoral history + Electoral history of Hernani Braganza Year Office Party Votes received Result Total % . Swing 1995 Representative (Pangasinan–1st) Independent 35,150 34.97% 1st 1998 rowspan="3" Lakas 108,604 100.00% 1st +65.03 2004 Mayor of Alaminos, Pangasinan 1st 2007 1st 2010 rowspan="2" Liberal 19,158 1st 2013 Governor of Pangasinan 297,409 25.88% 2nd 2025 Representative (Party-list) Aksyon Dapat 58,916 0.15 123rd
References