Kingston Ralph ordinance: Bar liability law drafted

CEBU, Philippines —  A proposed ordinance is currently being drafted that would hold establishments---serving alcoholic drinks---accountable when they knowingly serve already intoxicated persons who later cause injury, death, or property damage.

The proposal comes in the aftermath of the tragic death of young entrepreneur, 23-year-old Kingston Ralph Cheng, who was hit by a reckless driver, later identified as 21-year-old Sean Andrew Pajarillo at Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City earlier on February 8.

The incident has reignited calls for stronger road safety measures and accountability, prompting City Councilor Harold Kendrick Go to file the proposed measure, tentatively called Kingston Ralph Ordinance, as part of efforts to strengthen responsible business practices and enhance public safety on Cebu’s streets.

By naming the ordinance after the late Kingston Ralph Cheng, the draft measure carries symbolic weight as both a legislative response to the dangers of excessive intoxication and drunk driving, and a tribute to a life lost too soon.

The draft ordinance---subject to Council deliberations, public consultations, and possible amendments---outlines administrative penalties such as fines, suspension or revocation of liquor permits, and even closure of establishments for repeated violations.

It also proposes criminal liability for owners, managers, bartenders, servers, or employees who still serve alcoholic drinks to already intoxicated customers who subsequently cause harm within six hours of leaving the premises.

These provisions are designed to complement existing national laws by embedding local accountability and deterrence against irresponsible serving of alcoholic beverages.

Councilor Go explained that the initiative is about “saving lives, strengthening responsible business practices, and making our streets safer for everyone.”

Earlier, in a public statement, Go also extended condolences to Ralph’s family, saying, “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. This heartbreaking incident reminds us that road safety is a shared responsibility.” ---Caecent No-ot Magsumbol

Osmeña supports Go ordinance

In a press conference yesterday (February 13), Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña expressed support for Councilor Go’s proposed “Kingston Ralph Ordinance.” He noted that while the measure is still being drafted and its provisions finalized, he welcomes efforts that aim to improve public safety and accountability.

Osmeña addressed the February 8 hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of the youthful Kingston, assuring the public that the city government will pursue justice while implementing preventive measures.

Osmeña said he has personally spoken with Kingston’s family and expressed his condolences, emphasizing that the city stands with them during this time. He assured them that authorities are working to ensure the suspect is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Beyond legal action, the Vice Mayor said the city government is also looking into measures to prevent similar incidents. Osmeña added that he had no knowledge of the background of the suspect, Pajarillo, and called on the public to cooperate with authorities.

“It doesn’t matter whether they have influence. I will fight anybody who hurts Cebu,” he said. “We cannot undo what happened. What we can do now is prosecute, follow due process, and make sure this does not happen again,” Osmeña said.

City officials are expected to conduct further consultations in the coming days to refine the proposed ordinance and determine additional safety measures.

The 21-year-old accused posted bail amounting to ?72,000 for the charge of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide, in connection with the hit-and-run incident that killed Kingston Cheng.

After the said proceedings, Pajarillo was seen leaving the RTC wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet, while having difficulty walking due to his injuries sustained from the incident. The media tried to ask him for a statement, but he refused.

Authorities then escorted him back to the hospital to continue his recovery, while also waiting to secure a clearance from his doctor for his discharged.

In an interview with lawyer Julito Añora Jr., legal counsel of Pajarillo, asserted that after his client was able to post bail, the judge issued an order of release for his temporary liberty.

He also emphasized that the court granted only temporary freedom, stating that the accused is still expected to appear at the arraignment set by the court. He added that if the respondent fails to appear, the bail will be revoked and the court will issue an arrest warrant against him.

On the allegations that Pajarillo will fly to Canada with his family, Añora assured that his client will not flee abroad, citing the subsequent hearings he must face. He said he already advised Pajarillo's parents not to do things that will harm the case, reiterating the consequences their son could possibly face.

“If ila dad-on sa Canada (and) during hearing dile sila mu-attend, so technically ma-revoke ang bail, issue warrant of arrest, (ug) mapriso. Mapriso na because there’s already flight risk,” Añora told the reporters.

Further, the lawyer shared his client felt remorse following the hit-and-run incident, citing that he often saw him crying in the hospital. “Remorseful … because makita man gud nako na sige siya’g hilak sa hospital,” said Añora when asked how Pajarillo was after the incident.

Añora said his client remained silent during the inquest proceedings, and whenever he or his parents spoke to him. “Not a single word. Di gyud motingog. Even if iyaha’ng papa ug mama mangutana sa iyaha, di gyud motingog,” said the lawyer.

“Every time I ask him questions, muhilak man … Murag na-trauma siya,” he added, emphasizing that Pajarillo may be experiencing trauma from the incident.

Meanwhile, as the legal representative speaking on behalf of the Pajarillo family, Añora said they extend their condolences to the Cheng family. “We extend our deepest sympathies. Dile man gyud lalim. Kasulay man gyud ta nga mamatyan gyud ba. Di gyud lalim for friends, relatives, especially for those people na close gyud sa Cheng family,” he said.

When asked if the Pajarillo family would try to settle the case with the Cheng family, Añora declined to comment. He explained that the accused's father also did not discuss with him about the incident and only relied on reports submitted to the court and from the police.

“That I do not know. When I talked to the father, usahay dile pod motingog. Ako, as a lawyer, how can I proceed further if I cannot get information from them … I only get the information sa korte and the police reports,” he said.

Pajarillo’s five “security men” nabbed

Authorities arrested at a private hospital in Mandaue City Thursday (Feb. 12) five bouncers who were allegedly hired as “security escorts” of Pajarillo.

According to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), at around 2:49 p.m., the duty custodial security personnel at the hospital reported the presence of five “heavily built” men who claimed to be Pajarillo’s security escorts.

The five individuals reportedly attempted to enter the private room where Pajarillo is confined but were denied entry by the custodial officer from the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU).

Since the incident occurred in Mandaue City, the CCPO swiftly coordinated with the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) and Task Force HUSAY—comprising Regional Civil Security Unit 7, Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group 7, and Regional Police Security and Protection Unit 7—for a joint validation and further investigation.

Police Colonel George Ylanan, officer-in-charge of CCPO, went to the hospital and led the inquiry into the dubious individuals, who later admitted they were bouncers at a nightclub acting as security escorts.

The arrested men were identified by their aliases:

Alyas “Mar,” a bouncer at Barrio Disco Bar, is married and a resident of Mandaue City. Alyas “Arko,” a bouncer at Icon Disco Bar, is of legal age and resides in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City. Alyas “Zar,” also a bouncer at Barrio Disco Bar, is of legal age, married, and a resident of Cebu City. Alyas “Choy,” a bouncer at Barrio Disco Bar, is of legal age, single, and resides in Lapu-Lapu City. The fifth man, alyas “Yayan,” is single and a resident of Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City.

When asked to present their License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP) or proof of registration under a legitimate private security agency, they failed to provide any documents, prompting authorities to apprehend them.

The five men were then brought to the custodial facility of the MCPO Subangdaku Police Station 2, pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges against them for violating Republic Act 11917, or "The Private Security Services Industry Act," and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Case vs the five “escorts” dismissed

The arrested five were brought to the Mandaue City Hall of Justice yesterday, February 13. They were accompanied by their legal counsel, and underwent their inquest proceedings yesterday.

However, Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) spokesperson Mercy Villaro-Kantuna told reporters yesterday afternoon that the case was dismissed. However, the copy of the decision is yet to be released as of this writing.

In an interview yesterday, Villaro-Kantuna said these five men went to the hospital where Pajarillo was confined for treatment.

The MCPO spokesperson said hospital security personnel asked the group about their purpose at the hospital, and they introduced themselves as Pajarillo’s “private security.”

The individuals then attempted to enter the private room where Pajarillo is confined but were denied entry by the custodial officer from the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU).

When asked for their License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP), they failed to present any documents, prompting authorities to arrest them. “Wala man silay maipakita kaning lima maong gi-arrest sila,” Villaro-Kantuna said, although no firearms were confiscated from them.

In a separate interview, Atty. Dalman, denied claims that the Pajarillo family hired the men as security escorts, saying they were merely visiting Pajarillo as family acquaintances.

“Acquainted sila sa family ni Sean. It’s their discretion naman. Dili na ta ka-question unsa’y ilang intention ana basta family acquaintance sila. They are not hired as security escorts,” Dalman said.

Dalman explained that the five men were not sent by the family to check on Pajarillo’s condition but went to the hospital on their own initiative.

He also addressed claims that the men were initially identified as “bouncers” due to their build and physique, saying this did not automatically mean they were security escorts. “Di man kaingon nga kung dako kag lawas automatic ka nga security escort. Dili, family’s acquaintances ra ni sila,” Dalman said.

The lawyer added that the five men were arrested at the hospital cafeteria while eating, not inside Pajarillo’s hospital room. “Mao na’y dakong pangutana, nganong ingon ana ang pagkahitabo,” Dalman said, referring to the timing of the police arrest.

Dalman maintained that the visit was a normal act of concern for their “friend.” He also declined to comment when asked whether the men were employed at the bar where Pajarillo was earlier seen partying.

Dalman added that the Pajarillo family is prepared to face any case that may be filed against their son and will answer it in the proper forum. //, Kristin de Dios, Nicholas Jon Malaga, and Elizabeth Salarde