Rafael Martinez (politician)

Rafael Martinez (born 10 October 1873) was a Filipino politician.

Early life and career
Martinez was born in Tubigon, Bohol to Celestino Martinez and Carlota Corro on 10 October 1873. He pursued his higher education in Porcuna and Bilbao, Spain. After he returned to the Philippines, he engaged in farming, cattle-raising and other agricultural activities before entering politics.

Political career
Martinez was elected in 1934 as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention from the 1st district of Leyte. In 1936, he was appointed Governor of Leyte, and was elected in his own right in 1937. He was elected to the Philippine Senate in 1941 as a Nacionalista candidate but was only able to take office in 1945 due to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the Second World War. He served until 1946. He ran for re-election for senator in the 1946 Philippine general election under the Nacionalista Party tandem of Sergio Osmeña and Eulogio Rodriguez, but lost, ranking 28th out of the 57 candidates.