Duterte-Akihito meeting canceled after death of emperor's uncle

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said his courtesy call on Emperor Akihito would no longer push through as the Japanese ruler's 100-year-old uncle Prince Mikasa passed away.

In a chance interview, Duterte said he respects the Japanese imperial family's time of mourning.

"I’d like to express my deepest condolence," the President said.

"The protocol officer...[said] huwag na lang akong magpunta doon because they are in mourning. I respect that because I would ask the same, maybe, request if I were in his shoes," Duterte explained.

Prince Mikasa was the youngest brother of the current emperor's father Hirohito.

Duterte and Akihito were slated to meet before the President concludes his three-day official visit in Japan. — VVP, GMA News