Congress moved in step across chambers as lawmakers pushed stronger penalties and tighter enforcement of the anti–drunk driving law following a series of fatal road crashes in Cebu, including the death of young entrepreneur Kingston Cheng.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Cebu City South District Rep. Eduardo “Edu” R. Rama Jr. filed House Bill 8939 on April 22, 2026, to amend Republic Act No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 and establish a “Vision Zero Philippines” framework.
Rama anchored the proposal on recent DUI-related crashes in Cebu City and said lawmakers must treat road safety as a public health concern.
“Road safety in the Philippines has become a public health crisis that demands stronger, more responsive laws that reflect the shared realities on the ground,” said Congressman Rama.
The bill lowers allowable blood alcohol concentration levels, mandates alcohol and drug testing, introduces a presumption of intoxication in specific cases, and strengthens penalties for violations.
It also requires chemical testing after crashes and allows the use of witness accounts and CCTV footage when drivers refuse or when tests are unavailable.
Rama also cited the February 8 hit-and-run that killed Cheng, saying delayed alcohol testing affected accountability efforts.
He further referenced repeated late-night crashes in Cebu City and fatal accidents at South Road Properties, including a Valentine’s Day 2026 incident that killed two senior citizens.
The measure also imposes heavier penalties for DUI-related deaths in “vulnerable zones” such as schools, hospitals, and densely populated communities, with fines reaching P1 million and reclusion perpetua for homicide cases.
In the Senate, Bam Aquino filed Senate Bill No. 2088, also seeking to strengthen Republic Act No. 10586 and tighten enforcement against drunk driving.
Aquino linked the measure to Cheng’s death and called for stronger protection for young Filipinos who remain highly exposed to road accidents.
Aquino said his bill seeks faster enforcement and stricter handling of drunk driving cases.
Cheng’s family and supporters gathered outside the Regional Trial Court on what would have been his birthday to press for accountability and reforms.
They wore shirts reading “Save Lives, Amend RA 10586” and “Don’t Drink and Drive” and pushed the hashtag #JusticeForKingstonCheng.
Court proceedings ended early after the defense raised procedural objections, prompting the court to reset the hearing to May 12.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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