Lifetime ban sought vs driver in fatal Cebu hit-and-run

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) wants to permanently ban from the road the driver of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) who figured in a fatal hit-and-run incident in Cebu City that killed a 23-year-old businessman.

LTO chief Markus Lakanilao on Wednesday recommended a lifetime ban on the driver’s license of Sean Andrew Pajarillo, who reportedly ran over and killed businessman Kingston Ralph Ko Cheng in Barangay Banilad in Cebu City on Sunday.

Lakanilao traveled to Cebu to assess and review the status of the investigation. He said stricter actions would be imposed against reckless drivers, noting that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness.

“I will recommend a lifetime ban on the driver’s license of Pajarillo. People like him have no right to operate a motor vehicle on public roads,” Lakanilao said at a press briefing.

Although his recommendation is still subject to legal process, Lakanilao said the gravity of the situation warrants a maximum administrative penalty.

The LTO-Cebu has issued a show-cause order to Pajarillo and suspended his license for 90 days. The SUV was placed under alarm.

The suspect was ordered to attend a hearing at the LTO-Central Visayas operations division to explain his side on the matter.

The LTO said Pajarillo may be charged for reckless driving, being unfit to possess a driver’s license and driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs.

Investigation showed that Pajarillo hit a vehicle parked along the road before running over Cheng, who was declared dead on arrival in a hospital.

Pajarillo tried to flee, but his vehicle rolled over.

Responding police officers rushed him to a hospital for treatment of injuries.

The suspect was placed under hospital arrest.

The Cebu City police traffic enforcement unit said Pajarillo failed to present his driver’s license and documents of his vehicle.

Police said the suspect would be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property. – With The Freeman