A coordinated advocacy campaign is taking place today, April 23, calling for amendments to Republic Act 10586, the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, following the February 8, 2026 hit-and-run death of 23-year-old entrepreneur Kingston Ralph Ko Cheng in Paseo Saturnino, Banilad, Cebu City. Supporters are posting advocacy content using the hashtags #JusticeForKingstonCheng, #AmendRA10586, and #DontDrinkAndDrivePH, alongside a digital campaign image calling to amend the law. PGMN Anchor James Deakin and PGMN Anchor Atty. Regal Oliva are among those who have shared the campaign. The proposed amendments have been submitted to Senator Bam Aquino and Cebu City Rep. Eduardo Rama Jr..
The campaign is linked to the case involving 21-year-old accused Sean Andrew Pajarillo, who was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. Videos and witnesses showed he appeared intoxicated prior to the incident, but an alcohol test conducted 18 hours later returned negative, preventing criminal prosecution under Republic Act 10586. He posted ₱72,000 bail on February 13, 2026 after spending five days under hospital arrest. Under existing law, drunk driving resulting in death carries penalties of 12 to 20 years imprisonment and fines ranging from ₱300,000 to ₱500,000, while Article 365 carries penalties of six months to six years.
The proposed amendments, drafted by the University of San Carlos College of Law on behalf of the Cheng family, include a mandatory two-hour testing window for drivers involved in accidents causing injury or death, the use of retrograde extrapolation to estimate blood alcohol levels if testing is delayed, and lower legal blood alcohol concentration thresholds (0.02% for professional and novice drivers, 0.03% for private drivers). Additional provisions include an implied consent doctrine for chemical testing, enhanced penalties in designated high-risk areas such as school zones and hospitals, the use of ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, mandatory rehabilitation programs prior to license reinstatement, and accountability measures for medical facilities that fail to prioritize alcohol testing.
The proposed measure, titled “An Act Amending Republic Act No. 10586, Introducing Amendments to the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, and Establishing a Vision Zero Philippines,” outlines changes to testing procedures, evidentiary rules, penalties, and enforcement protocols under the existing law.
