President Rodrigo Duterte is photographed resting his head on his cane with Sen. Bong Go on Tuesday. PHOTO FROM BONG GO FACEBOOK PAGE
President Rodrigo Duterte will leave Japan a day earlier than scheduled for an emergency consultation with a neurologist because of “unbearable pain in his spinal column near the pelvic bone.”
Malacañan Palace made the surprise statement on Tuesday after saying the president did not suffer serious injuries after an accident last week, during which he was said to have fallen off a motorcycle.
“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, Oct. 17,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said.
“He will return to the country early evening today, Oct. 22, and will see his neurologist tomorrow, Oct. 23, for consultation,” he said.
Duterte, who left for Japan on Oct. 21, was supposed to stay until Oct. 23 for festivities surrounding the ascension of to the throne of the new Japanese emperor, Naruhito.
Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, will represent the president in the emperor’s banquet this evening, Panelo said.
“The Palace, however, confirms that the President has attended the enthronement rites earlier today, albeit carrying a cane to assist him in his walk. 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. (PressONE.ph)