What should have been Kingston Ralph Cheng’s 24th birthday instead coincides with the start of court proceedings in the case linked to his death.
On April 23, trial begins against 21-year-old Sean Andrew Pajarillo, as Cheng’s family returns to court while also renewing calls for reforms in road safety and enforcement of drunk driving laws.
In a statement ahead of the hearing, the family said the case has brought attention not only to their loss but also to gaps they believe exist in enforcement systems.
“We do not only remember his untimely passing, but we also remember the neglect and the failure of the systems that were not able to protect him and instead protected the suspect,” the family said.
Cheng, 23, died in the early hours of February 8 after being hit by a speeding vehicle along Paseo Saturnino in Barangay Banilad, an incident that triggered public outrage and renewed calls for stricter implementation of road safety laws in Cebu City.
As the case moves into trial, the family has also stepped up an advocacy campaign aimed at strengthening provisions of Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
Kimberly Tee, Cheng’s aunt, said the family is coordinating with legal counsel and academic partners to push for possible amendments to the law.
She said Atty. Fernandez has been involved in assisting with proposed revisions, following discussions with University of San Carlos Law Dean Atty. Joan Largo, who invited legal input based on experiences surrounding the case.
“He was invited being the lawyer who had first-hand experience on Kingston’s case that reflected how a national law failed to protect an innocent, young citizen like Kingston. Several provisions need to be improved for effective implementation,” Tee said.
The family said the initiative is focused on addressing perceived gaps in implementation, particularly at the local government level.
“Implementation in LGUs has to start with a clear, comprehensive law to begin with,” she added.
To mark the start of the trial, the family has launched a grassroots awareness campaign, producing advocacy shirts that supporters are encouraged to wear on April 23 and share online as a public call for road safety reforms.
“We came up with advocacy shirts to share. People who believe in this cause will wear it, take groupie/selfie photo or video as a show of support and express one’s voice,” Tee said.
Authorities have yet to disclose full details of the prosecution’s evidence as the trial begins.
The case has also fueled wider discussions on road safety enforcement, including stricter implementation of drunk driving laws, expanded use of breathalyzer testing, and accountability measures for establishments serving alcohol. (LLP)
Photo from Cecille Quibod-Castro
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