'Unbearable' back pain forces Duterte to cut short trip to Japan

President Rodrigo Duterte, who attended theenthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito in Japan on Tuesday, iscoming back to the Philippines ahead of schedule due to backpain caused by a recent motorcycle accident."The palace announces that the president will cut short his trip toJapan due to unbearable pain in his spinal column near the pelvicbone as a consequence of his fall during his motorcycle ride lastThursday, October 17," Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said ina statement.  Duterte, who used a cane while in Tokyo, will return early Tuesdayevening rather than Thursday as previously scheduled.Panelo said the president will see his neurologist on Wednesday forconsultation.  Duterte had a accident last Thursday while riding his motor bike athis official residence in Manila. He attended a public event thefollowing day after resting and seeing a doctor.Duterte was among the more than 100 foreign leaders who attended theenthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.He was set to attend the emperor's banquet on Tuesday night and adinner to be hosted by Prime Minister Abe for foreign leaders andother guests on Wednesday evening.Panelo said Duterte has requested her daughter, Davao City Mayor SaraDuterte, to represent him at the emperor's banquet on his behalf.  "While this was unforeseeable, the public can rest assured that thereis nothing to worry as regards the physical health and condition ofthe president as he gives serious priority thereto in activelyserving our country," Panelo said. Japan is the Philippines' top source of development assistance andsecond major trading partner next to China.