One wrong turn after midnight cost a young businessman his life and prompted authorities to act against the driver responsible.
The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has ordered a 90-day preventive suspension of the driver’s license of a 21-year-old motorist involved in the fatal hit-and-run that killed a businessman shortly after midnight on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
LTO 7 issued a Show Cause Order on February 9, 2026, citing reports that the incident occurred along Paseo Saturnino Road.
Authorities said the driver allegedly hit a parked vehicle before fleeing at high speed and later struck a pedestrian near the entrance of Maria Luisa Subdivision.
The victim suffered severe injuries and died.
Police identified the victim as Kingston Ralph Cheng, 23, owner of The Mill Lifestyle Café at Ayala Center Cebu.
Cheng was walking near a resto-bar inside Maria Luisa Subdivision when a Toyota Innova struck him.
He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Investigators said the Toyota Innova, driven by Sean Andrew Pajarillo, first collided with a parked Toyota Vios near One Paseo.
The vehicle then hit Cheng before losing control and rolling over at Paseo Eulalia. The Innova carried plate number GAP-3492.
LTO 7 cited the driver for violations of Section 48 or reckless driving and being unfit to possess a driver’s license under Republic Act 4136.
The agency also cited a possible violation of Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.
LTO 7 said the driver failed to present a valid driver’s license at the time of apprehension and ordered him to immediately surrender his license.
The agency scheduled a hearing on February 17, 2026 at the LTO 7 Operations Division along N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City.
LTO 7 ordered the driver to personally appear and submit a written explanation to show cause why authorities should not suspend or revoke his driver’s license.
LTO 7 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Francisco “Franz” Ranches Jr. reminded motorists to take responsibility on the road.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We urge all drivers to strictly follow traffic rules, drive defensively, and always remain alert and sober behind the wheel. A moment of recklessness can result in irreversible tragedy,” Ranches said.
He added that LTO 7 will not hesitate to impose the full force of the law against motorists who endanger public safety.
