The family of 23-year-old businessman, Kingston Cheng, who died in a hit-and-run incident in Cebu City, is keen on pursuing a case against 21-year-old suspect, Sean Andrew Pajarillo.

Katherine Cheng, Kingston’s mother, in an official statement, reminded the public of the dangers of drunk driving, and that no amount of remorse or sincere apologies can bring Kingston back. 

Katherine opened her public statement with the words “From a Mother” and proceeded to underscore the tragic loss and how unbearable the incident is for any mother, or for any parent. 

Here is Katherine’s statement in full:

“I lost my son in an unimaginable tragic way that makes it so painful that words cannot express. It was the most difficult moment in my entire life. Fear and hope were flooding inside me as I came to terms with the reality that I had lost him. I didn’t want to see my son covered with blood and bruises. I wanted to see him like how I saw him in the morning - fresh, ready for the day, and full of promises. 

“Now that Kingston has been taken from us, every part and corner of our home feels empty - a void that can’t be ignored. His absence is deeply felt. His silence is deafening. His dining seat is empty, and we miss the late night snacks, the stories, the laughter, and the chats with him. We miss his food and coffee that he passionately and joyfully prepares. We miss his beautiful music. We miss our family with Kingston because we can never be the same and can never be whole without him. No amount of remorse or sincere apologies can ever bring him back.”

“A part of me is missing. Kingston is missing. I don’t know how I can bear this; it is unbearable for any mother, for any parent.”

“Initially, filing a case was never in our minds. We are too hurt, and we wanted to lay our son to rest in peace. But we want to honor him, and we don’t want the tragedy to go to waste, as if it did not happen. The family’s intention to file the case is to make the incident official so that other loving families will never feel our pain. We entrust the ultimate fate of this matter to the police and the courts, and we will respect whatever outcome as the case unfolds.”

“Hopefully, Kingston’s demise will serve as a reminder on the dangers of drunk driving and also as an eye opener on how authorities can improve to provide a clean and safe CEBU.”

“We want to extend our gratitude to everyone. We see you, we hear you and the immense support that you’ve been pouring in. We find comfort in listening and reading your thoughts and prayers for us. Your stories give us solace that Kingston lived a meaningful and intentional life. And through our shared stories, Kingston will continue to live on. May his life continuously reminds us to live with kindness, sincerity and purpose.”

“Kingston is the son that every parent would pray for. He is kind, caring and loving, a supportive brother and a true friend that will always have your back. He is warm, loving and caring for everyone. He gives without expecting anything in return. Kingston is and will always be a gift - a gift that keeps on giving.”