Who Is Polo Martinez, The New DOJ Spokesperson—And The Internet's New Obsession?

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has a new spokesperson—and people online are clearly very interested in this development. Raphael Niccolo "Polo" Martinez has stepped into the role, succeeding former Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, who was recently appointed as Assistant Ombudsman.

Aside from being a lawyer and the new face of one of the country's key government agencies, Polo has quickly caught the public's eye for his charismatic looks and active lifestyle. Here's what we know so far about him.

Before becoming a lawyer, Polo honed his skills at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he earned his degree in AB Political Science. During his college years, he was active in student government and campus organizations, even serving as Secretary-General and Chief Administrative Officer of the university’s student government.

He later pursued his Juris Doctor degree at the Ateneo de Manila School of Law, where he continued to stay involved—this time excelling in moot court competitions. In 2017, Polo and his team bagged First Runner-Up in the Eastern Asian Rounds of the ELSA International Moot Court Competition on International Economic and Trade Law, eventually representing the Philippines in the finals held in Geneva, Switzerland.

But Polo's active lifestyle doesn't stop with his campus involvement. In fact, he's a self-proclaimed fitness enthusiast who loves to run and hit the gym (if that isn't obvious yet). He can even finish a half marathon in under two hours!

In 2022, when the bar exams finally resumed after the pandemic break, Polo passed the "Best Bar Ever"—the first post-pandemic bar chaired by Justice Marvic Leonen.

Polo began his legal career at Platon Martinez Flores San Pedro Leano Law Offices, where he worked as an associate from 2022 to 2024. The following year, he joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a prosecution attorney under the Office of the Prosecutor and the Office of the Secretary of Justice, before eventually being appointed as the department's spokesperson.

As the DOJ's new spokesperson, Polo will be taking on one of the most visible roles in the department—leading briefings, clarifying issues, and facing the press. Something tells us the comments section will be watching closely. 👀