In the Philippine legal landscape, sexual assault by a former partner is treated with significant gravity. The law recognizes that a prior romantic or intimate relationship does not constitute a perpetual "blanket consent" to sexual acts. When a former boyfriend crosses these boundaries, several legislative frameworks provide paths for justice, protection, and compensation.

1. Criminal Prosecution under the Anti-Rape Law (R.A. 8353)

The primary recourse for sexual assault is Republic Act No. 8353, which expanded the definition of rape and reclassified it as a "Crime Against Persons" rather than a mere crime against chastity.

Rape through Sexual Intercourse: Committed when carnal knowledge is achieved through force, threat, intimidation, or when the victim is deprived of reason or otherwise unconscious.
Sexual Assault: This involves the insertion of the penis into another person’s mouth or anal orifice, or the insertion of any instrument or object into the genital or anal orifice.
The Element of Consent: Under Philippine law, consent must be freely and voluntarily given. The fact that the parties were previously in a relationship is irrelevant if, at the time of the specific act, the victim resisted or was unable to provide valid consent.

Penalty: Reclusion Perpetua (20 to 40 years of imprisonment) is the standard penalty for consummated rape.

2. The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (R.A. 9262)

Perhaps the most potent tool for victims of "ex-boyfriend" violence is R.A. 9262. This law specifically covers acts committed by a person with whom the victim has or had a dating or sexual relationship.

Sexual Violence: Defined as acts which are sexual in nature, including, but not limited to, rape, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness, treating the woman as a sex object, or prostituting the woman.
Protection Orders (TPO/PPO): A victim can apply for a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) or a Permanent Protection Order (PPO). These orders can legally mandate the former boyfriend to stay away from the victim's home, workplace, and person, even before a criminal conviction is secured.
Psychological Violence: If the sexual assault or the behavior surrounding it causes mental or emotional suffering, it may also be prosecuted as psychological violence under this Act.

3. The Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313)

Commonly known as the "Bawal Bastos" Law, this covers gender-based sexual harassment. If the former boyfriend engages in "online sexual harassment" (e.g., uploading private photos without consent, sending lewd messages, or stalking/harassment on social media following the assault), he can be held liable under this Act.

Punishable Acts: Unwanted sexual advances, misogynistic remarks, and any conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating environment.

4. Civil Remedies: Damages under the Civil Code

Beyond criminal imprisonment, a victim can seek financial compensation under the Civil Code of the Philippines.

Moral Damages: For the physical suffering, mental anguish, and fright caused by the assault.
Exemplary Damages: Imposed as a deterrent to the public and as a correction for the "wanton, fraudulent, or oppressive" nature of the act.
Actual/Compensatory Damages: To cover medical expenses, therapy costs, or lost wages resulting from the trauma.

5. Procedural Steps for Seeking Redress

To initiate these legal remedies, a victim typically undergoes the following process:

Reporting and Blotter: Report the incident to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) at the nearest Philippine National Police (PNP) station or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Medical Examination: A medico-legal examination is crucial. It is highly recommended that this be done as soon as possible after the assault to preserve physical evidence.
Filing a Complaint: A formal affidavit-complaint is filed with the Office of the Prosecutor for Preliminary Investigation.
Inquest/Trial: If the prosecutor finds "probable cause," an Information (charge sheet) is filed in court, and a warrant of arrest is issued.

Important Considerations

Prescription Period: For rape, the crime prescribes in 20 years. For violations of R.A. 9262, the period is generally 10 to 20 years depending on the specific act.
The "Forgiveness" Clause: Under R.A. 8353, subsequent valid marriage between the offender and the victim shall extinguish the criminal action. However, in cases of "boyfriend-girlfriend" relationships, this is rarely applicable unless a legal marriage occurs, and it does not apply to other forms of violence under R.A. 9262.
Privacy: Victims of sexual assault are entitled to confidentiality. Their names and personal circumstances are withheld from public records to protect their dignity.