Duterte cuts short Japan trip due to unbearable spine pain

President Duterte is rushing back home from Japan to see a neurologist after enduring “unbearable pain” in his spine following a recent motorcycle accident.

The President decided to cut short his Japan trip and return to the country Tuesday night, according to his spokesman Salvador Panelo.

Despite the President’s ailment, Panelo maintained that the public has nothing to worry

about Duterte’s health 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,” he said.

Duterte, who arrived in Tokyo early Tuesday morning, still attended the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito using a cane but will skip the official banquet later in the evening.

“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,” he said.

“He will return to the country early evening today, October 22, and will see his neurologist tomorrow, October 23, for consultation,” he added.

Duterte was originally scheduled to return to the country on Thursday.

Panelo said the President would miss the Emperor’s banquet Tuesday evening and has asked his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio to represent him instead.

“The Palace, however, confirms that the President has attended the enthronement rites earlier today, albeit carrying a cane to assist him in his walk,” Panelo said.

The 74-year-old Duterte was slightly hurt in a motorcycle accident last Wednesday night inside the Presidential Security Group compound.

According to Panelo, the President was reaching for his shoe when he fell off his motorcycle “that resulted in a minor injury, particularly light bruises and slight scratches, to his elbow and knee.”

He said the President remained “safe, in good hands and in good health” after the motorbike mishap.