The death of 23-year-old entrepreneur Kingston Ralph Cheng in a hit-and-run incident in Barangay Banilad has prompted business leaders and local officials to call for stricter road safety measures and accountability.
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) expressed condolences to Cheng’s family and described his passing as a significant loss to Cebu’s business community.
“His passing is a profound loss not only to those closest to him, but to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem,” the chamber said.
The CCCI said Cheng, owner of a café at Ayala Center Cebu, represented the next generation of business leaders.
They added his death highlights the urgent need to strengthen road safety, enforce accountability, and protect human life.
The chamber also called on local and national authorities to coordinate efforts in improving road safety through policy reforms, strict enforcement, and the development of safer infrastructure.
Pedestrian safety and protection of sidewalks and public walkways were cited as priorities.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said the city shares in the family’s grief and assured the public that authorities are handling the case with seriousness.
“Our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the young Cebuano Kingston Ralph Ko Cheng who lost his life in the recent hit-and-run incident in Barangay Banilad. Our city mourns with you,” Archival said.
The mayor added that police have been directed to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and pursue appropriate charges under the law.
Police reported that the incident occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday along Paseo Saturnino Road.
A speeding vehicle first hit a parked Toyota Vios near One Paseo, failed to stop, then struck Cheng near the entrance of Maria Luisa Subdivision.
The vehicle continued to Paseo Eulalia, where it lost control and rolled over.
Cheng sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has issued a 90-day preventive suspension of the driver’s license of 21-year-old Sean Andrew Pajarillo, who remains under hospital arrest.
