A 23-year-old Cebuano businessman was killed in a suspected hit-and-run incident in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, Sunday night. According to initial investigations by the Cebu City Police Office and Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7, a 21-year-old man was driving a vehicle that first crashed into a parked car before fleeing the scene.
Based on the police report, the suspect's vehicle was allegedly speeding before it hit the victim, Kingston Cheng, who was standing near a restobar. Due to the force of the impact, the victim was thrown and hit a pole near the establishment. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead-on-arrival. Meanwhile, the suspect fled again and later had an accident with his vehicle. When authorities found him, the suspect failed to produce a valid driver's license, as well as the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration of the vehicle.
The suspect is currently under hospital arrest while charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property are being prepared against him. LTO Region 7 has implemented a 90-day preventive suspension on his license and issued a Show Cause Order to explain why it should not be completely revoked. The hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2026. According to the LTO, the incident is a reminder that road safety is everyone's responsibility, and a moment of carelessness can cause an irreversible tragedy.
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) also expressed condolences, saying Cheng's passing is a great loss to the business community. They stressed the need for stricter accountability, road safety policies, and better infrastructure to prevent similar incidents. The group called on local and national governments to take immediate action to ensure fairness, transparency, and safer roads for the public.
Amid the tragedy, the issue of responsible driving and strict enforcement of traffic laws has been reopened. As the investigation continues, the victim's family and the community hope that justice will be served in his death and that it will serve as a lesson to all motorists to practice discipline and caution on every trip.
