Actress and TV host Kim Chiu has filed a qualified theft complaint against her sister, Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, following the discovery of what she described as “serious financial discrepancies” involving her business assets.
Kim personally went to the Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor in Quezon City with her legal counsels, Atty. Xylene Dolor and Atty. Archernar Gregana, along with her sister Twinkle and brother-in-law. The legal team confirmed the filing but declined to detail which of Kim’s business ventures were affected.
“Today, nag-file si Kim ng criminal case against Lakambini Chiu. We filed a criminal complaint for qualified theft. That’s all we can share for now,” Atty. Xylene told ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe, adding that fans may already know which business Lakam was helping manage.
According to the lawyer, several attempts were made to resolve the matter privately before Kim decided to pursue legal action. “She reached out and the lawyers reached out also… but this has been a very difficult decision for her,” Dolor said.
Kim issued a formal statement expressing heartbreak over the situation: “After careful consideration and months of internal review, I have made the difficult decision to file a legal case for qualified theft against my sister… It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life.”
She said substantial amounts connected to her business were discovered missing, forcing her to take legal action to protect her company, her staff, and the integrity of her brand.
“I am choosing transparency, responsibility, and accountability — not only for myself, but also for the brand and community that has supported me.”
Kim appealed for understanding and respect as their family faces the legal process.
In a separate statement by lawyer Jesus Falcis, additional context was revealed regarding the sisters’ strained relationship. According to Falcis:
- Kim had long been aware of questionable financial activities involving Lakam.
- Their conflict reportedly intensified after Lakam’s 2023 hospitalization for bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening illness that left her in a coma for seven days.
- After recovering, Lakam allegedly struggled emotionally and mentally, leading to excessive spending and gambling.
- Falcis claimed Lakam had incurred hundreds of millions of pesos in casino losses, reportedly using funds earned by Kim.
- He also alleged that money was taken from Kim’s vault and condo, and that a property was sold without Kim’s consent.
Despite these incidents, Kim supposedly tried to resolve the situation repeatedly, even reconciling with her sister as recently as last month. But the alleged financial abuses reportedly continued, leaving the actress with “no choice” but to file the case.
The complaint marks a heartbreaking chapter for the actress, who previously described Lakam as her “number one critic, number one fan, my superwoman.”
Kim ended her statement with hope for fairness and healing: “I am hopeful that through the proper legal channels, clarity and fairness will prevail… I continue to pray for healing and resolution for everyone involved.”
The case is now under preliminary investigation by the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
