The Revised Penal Code (RPC) was enacted, defining rape under Article 335 as a crime against chastity committed through force, intimidation, or when the woman is unconscious or under twelve years of age. Rape was classified as a crime against honor and required the use of a penis against a vagina, with the victim necessarily female.

The Supreme Court held that for rape to be established, the victim must show tenacious resistance throughout the entire assault. Passive submission or failure to shout for help could negate the element of force or intimidation, even in violent circumstances.

The Supreme Court allowed the 'sweetheart defense' where the accused could argue that sexual intercourse was consensual because of a romantic relationship with the victim. This placed the burden on the prosecution to negate the existence of such a relationship.

Republic Act 8353 radically reformed Philippine rape law by reclassifying rape from a crime against chastity to a crime against persons, expanding the definition to include sexual assault through insertion of objects or body parts, and creating gender-neutral provisions. The law took effect on October 22, 1997.

The Supreme Court definitively held that hymenal laceration or rupture is not an essential element of rape. The slightest penile penetration of the labia or pudendum constitutes carnal knowledge, even without medical evidence of trauma.

The Supreme Court ruled that when intimidation is present, it is not necessary for the victim to physically resist. Moral ascendancy, the victim's age, and the perpetrator's threats may substitute for actual force, especially in cases involving minors or relatives.

The Supreme Court held that the sweetheart defense is an affirmative defense that must be proven by the accused with convincing evidence such as letters, gifts, or testimony from others. Mere assertion of a relationship is insufficient to overcome evidence of rape.

Republic Act 9346 prohibited the imposition of the death penalty in the Philippines, reducing all death penalty sentences to reclusion perpetua. Qualified rape under Article 266-B, previously punishable by death, was now penalized with reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole.

The Supreme Court ruled that delay in reporting rape does not undermine the credibility of the victim or indicate fabrication. Fear, trauma, social stigma, and threats from the perpetrator are valid reasons for delayed disclosure, especially when the accused is a family member or authority figure.

The Supreme Court affirmed that marriage is not a defense to rape charges. A husband can be prosecuted for raping his wife under Article 266-A when he uses force, threat, or intimidation to compel sexual intercourse without her consent.

The Supreme Court en banc issued comprehensive guidelines consolidating rape jurisprudence, clarifying the distinctions between rape and sexual assault, prescribing proper designations and penalties, and addressing issues of age determination, relationship qualifications, and proper award of damages.

The Supreme Court reiterated and strengthened protocols for protecting rape victims' identities in all court proceedings and decisions. Use of real names or identifying information violates victims' rights to privacy and dignity, requiring courts to use initials or pseudonyms in all documents.