The trial of Sean Pajarillo, the suspect in the hit-and-run death of Kingston Ralph Cheng, officially began on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the temporary Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC). This date would have marked Kingston's 24th birthday.
Background of the Case
Kingston was killed when a speeding SUV driven by the 23-year-old Pajarillo, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, struck him in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, on February 8.
Defense Strategies
During the opening session, the defense, led by Atty. Julito Añora, pushed for an out-of-court settlement and questioned the court's jurisdiction. Añora stated, "We are trying to have an amicable settlement so this case won't be prolonged." Simultaneously, they sought to have the case dismissed through a motion to quash, arguing that the RTC may not have proper jurisdiction. Although the court denied the motion, the defense has filed a motion for reconsideration. "The RTC has denied it, but there are some issues that need clarification," Añora explained.
Prosecution's Stand
In contrast, the Cheng family remains determined to seek justice. Atty. Terence Fernandez, representing the family, clarified that while they are willing to listen to settlement offers, they are resolved to proceed with the case. "The family is coping, and they want to proceed with the case," Fernandez said. He added that the prosecution plans to present six to seven witnesses.
First Day Proceedings
The first day of trial saw the testimony of the initial prosecution witness—the traffic investigator who handled the crash scene. However, the direct examination was cut short, and the expected cross-examination was postponed due to missing evidentiary files. Añora informed the court that the defense had not received copies of the judicial affidavits for the witness nor the CCTV footage. "We requested the court to have us furnished with these documents, as well as the CCTVs, for the cross-examination of the first witness," Añora explained. The cross-examination has been rescheduled for the next hearing, pending formal submission of the documents.
Emotional Moment
Pajarillo, who is recovering from his own injuries sustained in the incident, was reportedly emotional after the proceedings. "Sean cried after the hearing," Añora said. "I cannot further comment why he cried, but I saw him crying."
