President Rodrigo Duterte, who attended the
enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito in Japan on Tuesday, is
coming back to the Philippines ahead of schedule due to back
pain caused by a recent motorcycle accident.
"The palace announces that the president will cut short his trip to
Japan due to unbearable pain in his spinal column near the pelvic
bone as a consequence of his fall during his motorcycle ride last
Thursday, October 17," Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in
a statement.
Duterte, who used a cane while in Tokyo, will return early Tuesday
evening rather than Thursday as previously scheduled.
Panelo said the president will see his neurologist on Wednesday for
consultation.
Duterte had a accident last Thursday while riding his motor bike at
his official residence in Manila. He attended a public event the
following day after resting and seeing a doctor.
Duterte was among the more than 100 foreign leaders who attended the
enthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
He was set to attend the emperor's banquet on Tuesday night and a
dinner to be hosted by Prime Minister Abe for foreign leaders and
other guests on Wednesday evening.
Panelo said Duterte has requested her daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara
Duterte, to represent him at the emperor's banquet on his behalf.
"While this was unforeseeable, the public can rest assured that there
is nothing to worry as regards the physical health and condition of
the president as he gives serious priority thereto in actively
serving our country," Panelo said.
Japan is the Philippines' top source of development assistance and
second major trading partner next to China.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (C) holding a cane while speaking to his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (L) while Senator Bong Go (R) listens before the enthronement ceremony of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, at a hotel in Tokyo. AFP/Presidential Photographers Division/King RODRIGUES