Cebu City Council Demands Strict Enforcement of Anti-Drunk Driving Law After Fatal Hit-and-Run
In response to a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a young entrepreneur, the Cebu City Council has issued a strong call for the rigorous enforcement of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act. The council passed a resolution on Monday, February 16, 2026, urging the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to ensure full compliance with Republic Act No. 10586, which penalizes driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs.
Details of the Incident and Legal Actions
The resolution, authored by Councilor Harold Kendrick Go, was prompted by the death of 23-year-old Kingston Ralph Cheng. Cheng was struck by a speeding vehicle in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, while walking toward his parked car along Paseo Saturnino in Barangay Banilad. The driver, 21-year-old Sean Andrew Pajarillo, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, fled the scene and continued driving at high speed until crashing several meters away.
Pajarillo is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. He posted bail of P72,000 at a Cebu City court on Friday, February 13. The council emphasized that strict enforcement of the law is crucial to prevent similar tragedies and promote road safety.
Enhanced Enforcement Measures Proposed
Councilor Go called on the CCPO to coordinate with agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), and barangay officials to enhance enforcement efforts. This includes conducting regular checkpoints and ensuring all sobriety and drug testing procedures follow legal standards, respecting due process and motorists' rights.
The CCPO is required to submit quarterly reports to the City Council detailing the number of checkpoints conducted, apprehensions made, accidents prevented or recorded, and other relevant enforcement data.
Funding for Breathalyzer Devices and Training
In a separate resolution, Go urged the Office of the Mayor to allocate funds for procuring and distributing additional breathalyzer devices for the CCPO and CCTO. These devices must include handheld fuel-cell breathalyzers for roadside screening and evidential-grade instruments for confirmatory tests, meeting international law-enforcement standards.
Go also stressed the need for an additional budget for regular calibration, maintenance, and consumables to ensure device accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, CCPO and CCTO personnel must undergo training and certification to properly administer breath tests, handle documentation, and present evidence in court.
Proposed Responsible Alcohol Service Ordinance
In a related move, Councilor Pablo Labra II proposed the "Cebu City Responsible Alcohol Service Ordinance." This ordinance aims to prevent alcohol-related harm by applying to bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels that serve alcohol for on-site consumption.
Under the proposal, establishments have a duty of care to refuse service to patrons showing visible signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, loss of balance, or aggressive behavior. They must also avoid promotions that encourage excessive drinking.
The ordinance requires all managers and servers to complete accredited Responsible Alcohol Service Training, covering intoxication recognition and de-escalation techniques. Businesses must maintain training records for government inspections.
Violations would incur penalties: a P3,000 fine for the first incident; a P4,000 fine and 10-day suspension for the second; and a P5,000 fine and 15-day suspension for subsequent incidents. The Business Permits and Licensing Office will monitor compliance with police and barangay authorities.
