Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was forced to cut short his attendance of the enthronement of Japan's emperor, due to what his office said was "unbearable pain" in his lower back after a motorcycle mishap last week.
The health of Duterte, 74, and his absences from the public spotlight are often the subject of fervent speculation, and the source of complaints from critics that his administration is not forthcoming about the extent of his ailments.
Duterte had a minor fall from a motorcycle in the grounds of his palace last week, causing hip pain, light bruises and scratches on his elbow and knee.
He used a walking cane in Tokyo on Tuesday during a ceremony for Japanese Emperor Naruhito's ascendancy to the throne, but would skip a banquet to return home and see his neurologist, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.
"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 in a statement.
It was the third time this month the government has tried to allay concerns about Duterte's health after the maverick former mayor told the Filipino community in Moscow that the frequent drooping of one eyelid was due to a chronic neuromuscular disorder.
Australian Associated Press
