‘Punish drunk drivers, not establishments’

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito has voiced opposition to the proposed “Kingston Ralph Ordinance” authored by Councilor Harold Kendrick Go, which seeks to hold establishments liable for serving alcoholic drinks to visibly intoxicated persons who later cause injury, death, or property damage.

In a Facebook post, Pepito said he would not support measures that, in his view, unfairly burden businesses and their employees.

“I will not support policies that punish businesses and hardworking employees for the mistakes of a few drunk drivers. Let us protect jobs and our economy by focusing on the strict enforcement of our laws to save lives,” Pepito said.

In an interview on February 20, 2026, Pepito maintained that the proposed ordinance would not effectively address the problem highlighted by the recent hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 23-year-old entrepreneur Kingston Ralph Cheng.

The suspect, identified as Sean Andrew Pajarillo, was allegedly intoxicated when he drove along Paseo Saturnino on Maria Luisa Road in Barangay Banilad after drinking with friends on February 8.

Pepito argued that penalizing establishments could negatively affect business owners and employees, including waiters and service staff.

“Kung nag-serve og ilimnong makahubog, ang basulon sa owner, ang empleyado o ang waiter man. Ang kana nga balaod makatabang ba na? Kay kung ma-close ang establishment, ang mga ganahan moinom, moadto na lang na sa mga unregulated businesses. Ang problema ani gyud kung unsa ang legal definition sa ‘intoxicated’?” he said.

He described the measure as a form of “displacement,” contending that it would not prevent individuals from getting drunk.

“So kung ang palahubog, tungod kay naa tay balaod ani, dili ni mohunong sa pagkalahubog,” Pepito added.

Instead of imposing liability on establishments, Pepito said he would push for stricter traffic law enforcement to deter intoxicated individuals from driving. He proposed that authorities, particularly traffic enforcers, intensify operations against drunk driving and that the city invest in breathalyzers to help determine whether motorists are under the influence of alcohol.

He added that establishments can contribute by consistently reminding customers to drink responsibly and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Pepito also underscored the role of friends during drinking sessions, suggesting that at least one person in a group should look after others and discourage excessive drinking and drunk driving.

He reminded the public that individuals who choose to consume alcoholic beverages must take responsibility for their actions and should not shift the blame to establishments that are merely operating their businesses.

The proposed ordinance has yet to be formally approved and remains under review and deliberation by the City Council’s Committee on Laws.