The Cebu Metropolitan Tribunal is the judicial arm of the Archdiocese of Cebu, serving as a court of first instance for cases arising within the Archdiocese.

A tribunal is a Church court established to administer justice within the Catholic Church, according to the norms of the Code of Canon Law. It is primarily responsible for resolving cases that affect the rights and obligations of the faithful, always with the goal of safeguarding justice and promoting pastoral charity.

In practical terms, a tribunal examines petitions, hears testimonies, weighs evidence, and issues judgments in a canonical and collegial manner. The tribunal serves the faithful by ensuring that decisions are made in accordance with Church law and ecclesial communion.

The Tribunal is collegial in structure, meaning cases—particularly marriage nullity cases—are decided by a college of judges rather than by a single judge. This ensures deliberation, fairness, and a deeper sense of justice in the Church’s judicial processes.

The Cebu Metropolitan Tribunal is competent to hear:

• Marriage nullity cases (matrimonial causes), which make up the majority of its docket


• Cases involving the rights and obligations of clerics and religious


• Penal cases (e.g., disciplinary actions involving delicts committed against Church law)


• Administrative recourses, unless specifically reserved to higher authority


• Other contentious matters, provided they are not reserved to the Holy See

The Tribunal does not handle cases explicitly reserved to the Apostolic See, such as those involving bishops or certain penal causes.