It is tasked primarily in ensuring that the acts of the curia are drawn up and dispatched and that they are kept safe in the archives of the curia. Also to act as notary and secretary of the curia. As the Archbishop’s secretariat it also properly coordinates concerns and decisions between the Archbishop of Manila and proper church government officials.

Specific Functions:

1. Drafts the official correspondence of the Archbishop as well as his official communications such as circulars, memoranda.
2. Records the minutes of the meetings of the College of Consultors, of the Presbyteral Council, and other similar bodies. Also prepares agenda of the College of Consultors, Presbyteral Council and Archdiocesan Finance Board where the Chancellor is the ex-officio secretary.
3. Finalize acts and documents concerning decrees, arrangements, obligations and other matters, which require the intervention of the curia.
4. Records in writing what is done by church bodies and signs the document, with a note of the place, the day, the month and the year.
5. Shows acts or documents from the archives to those who lawfully request them, and verifies that copies conform to the original.
6. Sees to it that all the documents concerning the diocese or parish are kept with due care. Keeps a catalogue or inventory of the same.
7. In the absence of the archbishop, gives permission, together with the Moderator Curiae, for entry into the archives and the removal, in case necessary and only for a short time, of documents in the archives.
8. Creates and sends out official bulletins to communicate to priests, lay leaders in the parishes and other institutions of the archdiocese information regarding events, activities, policies, directives, appointments, etc. Sees its efficient dispatch and timely distribution.
9. Receives documents and authorizes changes and corrections in the registers of baptism, confirmation and marriage.
10. Reviews documents and issues dispensation for marriage banns. Signs permits for mixed marriage, adult baptism and other related documents falling within the competence of Chancellors.
11. Evaluates applications for mixed marriages, adult baptisms, and interfaith marriages, marriages between locals and foreign nationals and giving endorsement for their celebration when warranted.
12. Mobilizes institutions for Archdiocesan activities.
13. To attend official functions required by the office.
14. Represents the Archdiocese of Manila in meetings/functions as instructed by the Archbishop.
15. Listens to concerns of priests, parishioners/organizations, church institutions, and properly collates/communicates this to Archbishop or the Proper Ministers.
16. Processes and recommends actions to the Archbishop, District Bishops or Ministry heads on matters requiring their intervention. Coordinates with other officials for the smooth flow of decisions/activities. Initiates proposals for the smooth flow or work/ministry in the Archdiocese.
17. Finalizes Parish Decrees of Establishments, Change of Boundaries, Names, Vicariate configurations in coordination with AORD and presents them to the Archbishops for signature.
18. Review books/articles for Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur.
19. Signs legal documents required of the corporate secretary and send a copy to the Archbishop.
20. Assists clients in coordinating concern to proper church offices. Attend to the requests of the Apostolic Nunciature, the CBCP, Dioceses in the Philippines and the world, and other churches.
21. Coordinates needs of Villa San Miguel office to Arzobispado.
22. Provides assistance to priests and coordinates with the National Statistics Office regarding government license to solemnize marriages. Also assists and coordinates with CARITAS MANILA and the legal office regarding securing missionary visa for foreign priests, nuns and lay missionaries fro the Bureau of Immigration.
23. Attends EXECOM meetings and keeps files of meetings.
24. Secures belongings and files of dead priests/bishops of the Archdiocese of Manila and prepares inventory to the Archbishop. He also supervises the reading of the last will testament to the family.
25. Ensures daily efficient and frequent communication between the Archbishop and Arzobispado through the Villa San Miguel (VSM) – Chancery portfolio.
26. Coordinates with Archdiocesan Office Communication (AOC) or provides press releases, information to media on important events, appointments, celebrations of the Archbishop and the Archdiocese.
27. Coordinates with police and local government officials concerning problems and needs of parishes needing their assistance.