CHENG
CEBU CITY – A deeper investigation has been sought by the family of the young businessman who perished in a hit-and-run in Barangay Banilad here last Feb. 8.
The family of Kingston Ralph Cheng has sought assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-7) regarding their concerns over the “impact of the lack of field sobriety tests, alcohol breath analyzer, and chemical and drug tests on the potential filing of the case.”
“The family has also requested NBI’s assistance in investigating the events that happened after the incident, especially those that may have adversely affected the full implementation of RA (Republic Act 10586) and its implementing rules and regulations,” the Cheng family said in a statement.
The family was apparently concerned that Sean Andrew Pajarillo, the driver of the vehicle that hit Cheng, tested negative for alcohol use after the incident.
Investigators have said that it took at least 18 hours before Pajarillo was made to undergo a sobriety test and the result may have been affected by the delay.
Pajarillo was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. Since he tested negative for alcohol use, Pajarillo was not charged with violation of Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, which carries stiffer penalties. Pajarillo has posted P72,000 bail.
Agent Maria Contessa Lastimoso, spokesperson of NBI-7, confirmed that initial discussion has been made with Terrence Fernandez, the lawyer of Cheng family.
“We are appreciative of the fact that they want to collaborate with us, because really our goal is the same,” Lastimoso said in an interview with MyTV Cebu.
Lastimoso said the NBI-7 is in the process of gathering more pieces of evidence as part of the case build-up.
“We have issued subpoenas to some people who might be potential witnesses, and other than that, we will subpoena some institutions involved also, as we do our case build-up,” said Lastimoso.