PGMN Anchors James Deakin and Atty. Regal Oliva have amplified public awareness efforts following the death of 23-year-old entrepreneur Kingston Ralph Ko Cheng, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident on February 8, 2026 along Paseo Saturnino, Banilad, Cebu City.
Cheng was struck by a vehicle driven by Sean Andrew Pajarillo. Based on witness accounts and video footage, the driver was seen at a nearby establishment shortly before the incident, where he reportedly appeared intoxicated. An alcohol test was conducted approximately 18 hours after the crash and returned a negative result. The delay in testing affected the evidentiary basis of the case, leading prosecutors to file charges under reckless imprudence resulting in homicide instead of Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013. The accused later posted ₱72,000 bail.
In separate public statements, Deakin and Oliva have called attention to enforcement gaps highlighted by the case, linking it to broader concerns over road safety and the implementation of existing drunk driving laws. Both have emphasized the need for stronger accountability mechanisms for violators and more reliable procedures in evidence collection.
Deakin has since participated in a public discussion in Filinvest Alabang and is scheduled to lead a shirt distribution activity as part of ongoing awareness efforts. Oliva, meanwhile, has released a video on her social media platform discussing the legal implications of the case and the gaps in enforcement. Both initiatives are aligned with a coordinated awareness drive tied to the case, which also coincides with commemorative activities marking Cheng’s birthday.
Both legal and policy discussions surrounding the case point to proposed amendments supported by Senator Bam Aquino and Cebu City Representative Eduardo Rama Jr. The proposals aim to address gaps in enforcement, particularly delays in alcohol testing and evidentiary limitations, including provisions for a mandatory two-hour testing window in accident-related cases.
The broader initiative is being led by the Cheng family in coordination with legal scholars from the University of San Carlos College of Law. A coordinated public awareness push is set for April 23, with participants encouraged to support the initiative using the hashtags #JusticeForKingstonCheng, #AmendRA10586, and #DontDrinkAndDrivePH.
