THE Cebu City Council is taking a stand against drunk driving following a high-profile tragedy that claimed the life of a young local businessman. On Monday, February 16, 2026, officials called for a massive crackdown on motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The move comes in response to the death of 23-year-old entrepreneur Kingston Ralph Cheng, who was killed by a speeding driver earlier this month.
A call for stricter police action
Councilor Harold Kendrick Go authored a resolution urging the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to fully enforce the "Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act" (Republic Act 10586). The goal is to ensure that what happened to Cheng does not happen to anyone else.
On Sunday, February 8, Cheng was walking to his car in Barangay Banilad when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver, 21-year-old Sean Andrew Pajarillo, reportedly fled the scene while intoxicated before crashing his car a short distance away. Pajarillo, who faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, recently posted a P72,000 bail.
More Checkpoints and Better Technology
To catch drunk drivers before they cause accidents, Councilor Go is pushing for:
Increased Checkpoints: Coordination between the police, LTO, and barangay officials.
New Equipment: A request for the Mayor’s Office to fund high-tech breathalyzers, including handheld devices for the roadside and medical-grade tools for official testing.
Better Training: Ensuring officers are properly certified to use these devices and present evidence in court.
The police will now be required to submit quarterly reports to the City Council showing how many checkpoints they have conducted and how many arrests were made.
New rules for bars and restaurants
The City Council is also looking at the source of the problem: where people drink. Councilor Pablo Labra II has proposed the "Cebu City Responsible Alcohol Service Ordinance."
This law would require bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to look out for their customers. Under the proposal, businesses must:
* Refuse to serve anyone showing signs of being drunk (like slurred speech or aggressive behavior).
* Stop promotions that encourage "speed drinking" or excessive alcohol use.
* Ensure all managers and servers undergo special training to recognize intoxication.
Consequences for businesses
If this ordinance passes, businesses that ignore the rules will face disappearing profits. Penalties start at a P3,000 fine for a first offense, rising to P5,000 and a 15-day business suspension for repeat violations.
By focusing on both police enforcement and the responsibility of business owners, the City Council hopes to make the streets of Cebu City safer for everyone. (EHP)