Describing the death of 23-year-old Kingston Ralph Cheng as “tragic,” the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) said in a statement that there should be a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation to ensure accountability under the law.
At the same time, the business group said Cheng’s death should also serve as a “wake-up” call to address long-standing gaps in road safety policy, enforcement, and infrastructure.
Public officials react
Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival issued separate calls for justice for Cheng, who was walking with his friend along Paseo Saturnino Drive in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, past midnight on Feb. 8 when he was hit by a speeding Toyota Innova.
“Justice for Kingston,” posted Baricuatro on her Facebook page.
In his own Facebook account, Archival said he directed the police to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and to pursue appropriate charges under the law.
“As your Mayor, I ask for patience as the legal process moves forward. Cebu City remains committed to justice, public safety, and the protection of every Cebuano,” he wrote.
Based on a police report, the driver, Sean Andrew Pajarillo, 21, first struck a parked Toyota Vios at high speed. Instead of stopping, Pajarillo accelerated but ended up hitting Cheng, who was thrown on impact and landed near an electric post.
Pajarillo continued driving until he lost control of his vehicle, which turned on its side near Maria Luisa Subdivision, a posh subdivision in Cebu City where he lives.
Cheng was brought to the hospital but was pronounced dead due to his severe injuries.
Pajarillo, who failed to present his driver’s license and vehicle registration papers, was also brought to the hospital, where he was placed under hospital arrest, said the Cebu City Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU).
Charges filed
A case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property was filed against him at the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office on Feb. 10.
The Land Transportation Office also issued a show cause order against the vehicle’s registered owner and Pajarillo, while a 90-day preventive suspension was imposed on Pajarillo’s license. Pajarillo was ordered to surrender his license.
Cheng, who earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Monash Business School in Australia, was only 21 when he established The Mill Lifestyle Café at Ayala Center Cebu.
He was a familiar face at the café and was often seen either taking orders or serving them to customers, always with a sweet, unassuming smile. Under his leadership, the café became known for its artisan breads and pastries.
Community mourning
News of his death sparked outrage among Cebuanos, who vented their anger on social media over the loss of a young man who had so much potential.
Several people placed flowers, candles, cups of coffee, and even bottles of beer at the accident site as a memorial to honor him.
“Kingston embodied the promise, creativity, and determination of Cebu’s next generation of entrepreneurs. His passion to build and contribute at such a young age reflected the energy that continues to drive our local business community. His passing is a profound loss not only to those closest to him, but to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said the CCCI in a statement.
The business group pointed out that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call, noting that many road accidents in the past have resulted in the loss of lives, limbs, and property.
Policy reform, enforcement, safer infra
The CCCI called on both local and national governments to take decisive and coordinated action to improve road safety through policy reform, effective enforcement, and safer infrastructure.
“Equally critical is the need to prioritize safe road design and pedestrian infrastructure. We call on the local and national government to initiate concrete and sustained action to reclaim sidewalks and public walkways for their intended purpose,” the CCCI statement said.
The business group stressed that sidewalks are not optional or secondary spaces but essential safety infrastructure. Clear, accessible, and unobstructed sidewalks save lives, as they prevent pedestrians from being forced to walk on roadways, it added. —Connie Fernandez-Brojan | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
