PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s supposed three-day trip to Japan has been cut short because of the “unbearable” back pain caused by his recent minor motorcycle accident, Malacañang announced on Tuesday, October 21.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President, 74, is suffering from pain in his spinal column near the pelvic bone.
But he assured that there is no cause for worry and Duterte can still serve the country despite his condition.
“While this was unforseeable, 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.
The President will return to the country early Tuesday evening, October 22, and will see his neurologist Wednesday, October 23, 2019.
The President was supposed to stay in Tokyo for three days until Wednesday.
“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,” Panelo said in a statement.
Duterte used a cane when he attended the enthronement rites for Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Tuesday afternoon.
Presidential Daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio accompanied him.
“The President has attended the enthronement rites earlier today, albeit carrying a cane to assist him in his walk,” he said.
Panelo said the Chief Executive would skip the banquet that will be hosted by the Emperor on Tuesday night.
Duterte’s daughter will attend the banquet on his behalf, his spokesman said.
“The Chief Executive will thus have to miss the Emperor’s banquet this evening at the Imperial Palace and has requested Mayor Sara Duterte to represent him and attend on his behalf,” he said.
The 74-year-old President had to endure hip pain, after he fell off the motorcycle after parking it at the Presidential Security Group Compound’s garage in Manila on October 16.
He sustained light bruises and slight scratches. (NASE/SunStar Philippines)