Cebu City Council Demands Strict Drunk Driving Enforcement After Fatal Accident
The Cebu City Council has urgently called upon the police to implement a stricter campaign against drunk driving in accordance with Republic Act 10586. This decisive action comes in the wake of a devastating tragedy that claimed the life of a young businessman in Barangay Banilad. Through a resolution introduced by Councilor Harold Kendrick Go on Monday, February 16, 2026, the council is demanding that the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) take serious measures to impose penalties under the existing law.
Response to a Tragic Incident
This legislative push underscores the critical importance of enforcing the law to ensure road safety and prevent further tragedies like the one that befell 23-year-old Kingston Ralph Cheng. Cheng lost his life after being struck by a speeding vehicle on February 8, 2026, in Barangay Banilad. The driver of the vehicle, 21-year-old Sean Andrew Pajarillo, is suspected to have been intoxicated at the time of the incident. The council has also expressed its profound condolences to the Cheng family, highlighting the human cost of such preventable accidents.
Enhanced Enforcement and Equipment
In a separate resolution, Councilor Go has urged the mayor to procure additional breathalyzers to strengthen the city's capacity to apprehend drunk drivers effectively. He has further advocated for the CCPO to collaborate closely with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), and local barangay officials to launch a broader campaign and conduct regular checkpoints. All testing procedures for intoxication and drug detection must strictly adhere to due process guidelines and must not infringe upon the rights of motorists. Additionally, the CCPO is required to submit a comprehensive report every three months detailing the number of arrests made and accidents prevented through these efforts.
Councilor Go has specifically requested the mayor's office to allocate funds for the purchase of modern breathalyzers that meet international standards. Furthermore, funding is deemed essential for the regular calibration and maintenance of these devices, as well as for the training and certification of CCPO and CCTO personnel. This ensures the proper use of equipment and guarantees that results can serve as valid evidence in court proceedings.
Proposed Alcohol Service Ordinance
On a related front, Councilor Pablo Labra II has championed the proposed "Cebu City Responsible Alcohol Service Ordinance." The primary objective of this ordinance is to mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol consumption before they escalate into accidents. This regulation will apply to various establishments, including bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels.
Under this proposed measure, establishments would be mandated to refuse service to customers who are visibly intoxicated. Promotions that encourage rapid or excessive drinking would also be prohibited. Managers and servers would be required to undergo Responsible Alcohol Service Training to ensure compliance.
Penalties for violations are structured as follows:
- First offense: A fine of P3,000.
- Second offense: A fine of P4,000 and a 10-day suspension of the business permit.
- Third and subsequent offenses: A fine of P5,000 and a 15-day suspension of the business permit.
The Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), in coordination with the police and barangay authorities, will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with this ordinance.
