<p>Coral restoration initiatives are rapidly expanding worldwide, as they are increasingly seen as critical tools for reef rehabilitation alongside conservation. Restoration ecologists advocate integrating active restoration with conservation and spatial management to minimize threats and maximize habitat recovery. While this integrated approach is gaining traction, there is limited documentation on how coral restoration interacts with marine protected area (MPA) governance in practice. Using the Philippines as a case study, we conducted interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders involved in restoring areas within or adjacent to MPAs. Our goal was to understand the institutional interplay between coral restoration and MPAs. Specifically, we examined the co-benefits and challenges of these efforts by assessing stakeholders’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices. Our findings revealed that: (i) restoration projects directly supported MPA establishment and management, while MPAs provided the protective framework needed for restoration success; (ii) both restoration and MPAs faced similar governance and enforcement challenges; (iii) positive stakeholder perceptions of restoration enhanced support for MPAs; and (iv) tourism created synergies between restoration and MPAs. These results highlight the importance of understanding restoration–MPA interactions when evaluating the institutional effectiveness and sustainability of coral restoration. They also underscore the need to consider local livelihoods and economic activities when developing site selection criteria for restoration methods.</p>