SC clarifies crime under RPC is rape, not 'simple rape'

The Supreme Court clarified that the proper term for the crime punished under Article 266-A(1)(a) of the Revised Penal Code is rape, not “simple rape.”

In a decision written by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting dated 29 July 2025, the High Court’s Third Division affirmed the conviction of a man for raping a 13-year-old girl and sentenced him to a maximum of 40 years in prison.

The Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals earlier found the accused guilty of what they referred to as “simple rape.” Under Article 266-A(1)(a) of the Revised Penal Code, rape is committed when a man has sexual intercourse with a woman through force, threat, or intimidation.

While affirming the conviction, the Supreme Court took the opportunity to clarify that the offense should be referred to simply as rape.

“After all, there is nothing ‘simple’ about Rape and referring to it in such a manner downplays its severity and desensitizes the public to the harm it inflicts.”

The Court noted that rape was initially classified as a crime against chastity under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code. However, Republic Act No. 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, reclassified rape as a crime against persons.

Crimes against chastity, such as adultery and seduction, are generally considered private crimes that focus on protecting a victim’s honor. In contrast, crimes against persons, including homicide, murder, and physical injuries, are intended to protect an individual’s bodily integrity and well-being.

The Supreme Court said the reclassification underscores that rape is a serious offense that causes both psychological and physical harm to victims.

It stressed that rape must “never be trivialized as ‘simple,’” particularly in court decisions.