The Supreme Court of the Philippines has clarified that men can also be victims of sexual violence and that women can be held criminally liable for rape under an expanded legal definition. This significant ruling, issued on February 4, 2026, emphasizes the need for inclusivity in recognizing victims of sexual misconduct regardless of gender.
In a case involving an aunt found guilty of statutory acts of lasciviousness against her 11-year-old nephew, the Court stated that the appropriate charge should have been statutory acts of lasciviousness, rather than under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. The ruling stems from an incident in 2018 where the aunt allegedly lured the boy into her bed, undressed him, and assaulted him.
Initial convictions by the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals had categorized the aunt's actions as lascivious conduct, which typically applies in cases where a minor may seem to consent under adult influence. However, the Supreme Court noted that an 11-year-old lack the legal capacity to give consent, establishing that the prior charge was inappropriate.
The Court also highlighted that before 2022, the legal definition of rape under the Revised Penal Code did not fully encompass cases where a woman assaults a man. This was addressed by Republic Act No. 11648, increasing the scope of what constitutes rape, and underlining that male victims should be recognized as such in the judicial system, thereby challenging traditional notions of gender in sexual offenses.
The ruling further rejects outdated views that relegated women as property within societal structures, asserting that the impact of sexual violence is equally detrimental regardless of the victim's gender. The Supreme Court stressed that a victim’s credibility should not be questioned based on their reaction to trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Philippine Supreme Court rule regarding male victims of sexual violence?
The Supreme Court ruled that men can also be victims of sexual violence and that women can be held accountable for rape under the law.
What was the basis for the Supreme Court's decision in the statutory acts of lasciviousness case?
The Court concluded that an 11-year-old cannot provide legal consent, making the previous charge of lascivious conduct inappropriate.
How has the legal definition of rape changed in the Philippines?
The definition was expanded by Republic Act No. 11648 in 2022 to include acts of rape committed by women against men, contrasting with earlier definitions that focused solely on male perpetrators.
Reporting by Joey Bengzon for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.