Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday dismissed circulating reports alleging that she threw a laptop at her aide, calling the claim false and part of a broader pattern of misinformation.

In an interview in The Hague, Duterte rejected the allegation involving her former spokesperson and lawyer, Atty. Michael Poa, saying the story had no basis and should not be given attention.

“Never in the history sa aking trabaho ako nagtapon ng laptop sa isang colleague or sa isang empleyado or sa isang abogado,” Duterte said, responding to questions about the online narrative.

She argued that the allegation did not make sense, saying such an act would not benefit anyone involved and insisting she does not routinely use computers or laptops in her official work.

Duterte added that she relies on staff for document-related tasks and only uses a laptop during online meetings.

She also said her personal laptop was purchased privately and described it as expensive, adding that she would not damage her own device. She emphasized she does not throw personal or office equipment at anyone.

“Hindi ma-afford ng gobyerno ‘yung gusto ko na laptop. So nagpabili ako ng laptop, sabi ng mga tao sa gobyerno, hindi daw nila ma-afford ‘yung laptop ko. So, bumili ako sa sarili ko.”

The Vice President described the claim as “basura” or garbage gossip, saying it was being amplified on social media as part of what she called disinformation efforts against her.

She said similar narratives have previously portrayed her in various negative ways, including accusations questioning her competence and integrity.

“Pero sabi ko nga, basura siya na chismis… Mga ginagawa ng mga kalaban na misinformation or disinformation para guluhin ang kwento at paburan ‘yung naratiba na gusto nilang ipalabas.”