No worries as Rody back from Japan

Panelo said the Chief Executive will have to miss the Emperor’s banquet slated last night at the Imperial Palace.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday cut short his trip to Japan to witness the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito due to what Malacañang termed as an unbearable pain in his spiral cord and pelvic bone as a consequence of his fall during a motorcycle ride last week.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the Chief Executive who was expected to arrive last night and sent word of his visit to the wake of the late Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., will see his neurologist today for consultation.

Panelo said the President will have to miss the Emperor’s banquet slated last night at the Imperial Palace. He will be represented by his daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte in the important ceremonial function.

Panelo assured the public that despite this news, there is nothing to worry about the President’s health.

“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.

“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,” he added.

Duterte, together with Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and other close-in members of his delegation, arrived in Tokyo early Tuesday morning.

The Chief Executive was welcomed at the airport by Mr. Kazuhide Ishikawa, former Japan Ambassador to the Philippines and Ambassador Jose Laurel V, Philippine Ambassador to Japan, among other senior government officials.

Panelo said President Duterte arrived at the Imperial Hotel at around 1:50 a.m.

The President figured in a minor motorcycle accident in Malacañang last 16 October.

During the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel on Thursday night, the Chief Executive was seen and showing the wound he sustained on his left elbow to Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez.

He was also seen pointing to his left knee which could probably be the abrasion he also sustained from the accident.

In a previous statement, Panelo said 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 a knee.

Panelo said no less than the Ms. Honeylet Avanceña, texted him about the details of the President’s accident.

“Again, we assure our people that the President is fine, and his recovery entails no major medical procedure,” Panelo said.