Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, the older sister of actress and television host Kim Chiu, has been arrested in Mandaluyong City over 124 counts of qualified theft involving alleged financial discrepancies in a business owned by the sisters.
Lakam, 45, was arrested by Quezon City Police District personnel at a parking area along Saint Francis Street in Barangay Wack Wack at around 4 p.m. on September 20. She was identified as the No. 6 most wanted person of the Kamuning Police Station.
The arrest warrant was issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court in connection with the 124 qualified theft charges. The court initially set the recommended bail at P5.838 million.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Kim in December 2025 after alleged financial discrepancies were discovered in House of Little Bunny Philippines Inc., a business associated with the sisters.
Prosecutors found sufficient basis to proceed with 124 counts involving a total of P44,396,331.65 in alleged corporate funds. The charges were filed under Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers qualified theft.
Kim previously said the decision to pursue legal action against her sister was extremely difficult. She said substantial amounts connected to her business assets were allegedly missing and that she took legal action to protect the company, its employees and the business she had built.
Kim’s lawyer has emphasized that the case is being pursued as a corporate matter involving allegedly missing company funds rather than simply as a personal dispute between two siblings.
The lawyer said the current complaint covers only part of the period under investigation and that the company is pursuing legal action to recover the funds and establish accountability.
Lakam, however, has denied the allegations. Her lawyer, Dominic Solis, said she was saddened by Kim’s decision to pursue the case but remained hopeful that the dispute could still be resolved amicably within the family. He added that Lakam would address the allegations through the proper legal process.
Lakam had previously disputed allegations concerning her role in the company’s management and questioned claims that certain withdrawals and online transfers were unauthorized. She maintained that she was the company’s corporate secretary rather than its treasurer and general manager.
Following her arrest, Lakam was placed under the custody of QCPD Station 10 while awaiting the necessary court proceedings and a commitment order.
The case has since moved beyond the initial complaint, with the arrest warrant now enforced and the court process underway. A Quezon City court has also partially granted Lakam’s request to reduce the recommended bail, with the amount later reported at about P5.6 million.
The allegations remain allegations unless and until established in court. The proceedings will determine the evidence surrounding the disputed transactions, the responsibility of the accused and whether the elements of qualified theft have been proven.
What began as financial discrepancies inside a family-linked business has now become a formal criminal case involving more than P44 million in alleged corporate funds, with both sides preparing to present their positions through the legal process.
