To answer your first question above, well, sponsor approval is assessed from CPC-M, where they check a set of eligibility requirements which the sponsor must meet, e.g. sponsor shouldn't be on social assistance; PR must reside in Canada, if citizen is outside the country, s/he must provide proof s/he will return to Canada once PR is approved; PR sponsor should have declared sponsored spouse/dependents prior to landing; sponsor should provide proof s/he can provide basic needs for sponsored spouse and dependents; must not have been sponsored by a spouse for the last 5 years; and must not have sponsored a previous spouse and 3 years have not passed since previous spouse became a PR, etc. Also, CPC-M assesses for completeness of submitted application.
If approved, CPC-M would then transfer the file to the respective VO. In your case, Manila. MVO would then have to review the proof submitted, assess genuineness of marriage, assess PA's eligibility, perform criminal history/background checks, conduct interview, check for misrepresentation, ask for additional documents, etc.