Kim Chiu admits she is hurting after arrest of sister Lakambini for qualified theft
The legal battle involving Kim Chiu and her sister, Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, has taken an emotional toll on the actress, who admitted that she is hurting amid the ongoing case.
Kim appeared at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Sept. 24 for Lakam’s arraignment on 124 counts of qualified theft, which stemmed from alleged financial discrepancies involving their company, House of Little Bunny Philippines, Inc.
In a statement shared by entertainment reporter MJ Felipe, she said it had been difficult to see how the case involving her sister unfold.
"I do not know where to start po. Sobrang nasasaktan po ako. People may have different opinions with my decision, and I understand that," she said.
While there are things that she cannot talk about due to the ongoing legal process, she stressed that this was never about her personal money.
"This is about a business which started in 2023, built with years of hard work, sacrifices, and dreams. A business I poured my heart into, hoping it would become my future when the time comes for me to step away from show business," Kim said.
According to the Alibi star, what she and her legal team have filed only covers the period from January to July of 2025, and that "there is so much more to this story" that she is choosing not to disclose publicly.
"This is a business I worked so hard to build, and I believe that going through this legal process should never take away the company’s right to stand up for what is right, protect what the company have worked for, and seek accountability through the proper legal process," Kim underscored.
"There is so much I am choosing not to say right now. Not because I do not have a story to tell, but because there is a proper time and place for the truth. For now, I trust and let the legal process take its course," she added.
Her legal counsel, Atty. Margrein Archernar Gregana, meanwhile stated that Kim is dedicated to pursue the cases against her sister.
"We are precluded by the courts to make comments because of the subjudice rule. For now, the arraignment was concluded and the cases will continue to be heared by the court," she told MJ.
"Naniniwala ang HOLB at si Kim Chiu sa justice system natin at pinapaubaya niya ito na dadaanan sa tamang proseso para makamit ang hustisiya," she added.
Meanwhile, Paulo Avelino, who became close with Kim after starring in several hit projects together such as What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, posted a broad message about dishonesty and stolen funds. While he didn't name anyone, many of his fans attributed his statement to Kim's issue.
"I don’t think people understand the value of the 'amount' stolen. Think about what you would do with that money. Bibili ka ng bahay? Medical Bills? School? Magsisimula ka ng bagong buhay?" he wrote on his X account.
"That amount can build the life you’ve always dreamed of. Now imagine someone took the life you’re supposed to be living in. Sa company palang yan. Pano pa kaya sa....." he added.
Lakambini was formally charged with 124 counts of qualified theft on Sept. 1. In its resolution, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City noted that Lakambini was HOLB PH's co-incorporator and corporate secretary. The dual roles apparently gave her access to the joint corporate bank accounts.
The resolution also stated that "the evidence on record establishes that respondent Lakambini unlawfully took and appropriated corporate funds in the aggregate amount of P44,396,331.65, fully aware that the same did not belong to her."