Manila, Feb. 18 -- The Diocese of Legazpi is set to formally constitute its own ecclesiastical tribunal, which will primarily handle marriage nullity cases.

In a circular on Tuesday, the diocese said the tribunal will be established on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, in accordance with the reforms of Pope Francis in "Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus."

Aside from marriage nullity cases, the tribunal will handle other canonical matters, ensuring a faster, more accessible, and just process for the faithful.

"For years, cases from our Diocese were processed through the Inter-Diocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Caceres," it said.

The tribunal will be led by Rev. Fr. Paul Rene Ocfemia, JCD, Judicial Vica....