MANILA, Philippines — Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, sister of actress Kim Chiu, was arrested Sunday in Mandaluyong City in connection with 124 counts of qualified theft filed against her by the actress.
The Quezon City Police District arrested Lakam, 45, at about 4:06 p.m. in Barangay Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City, based on a warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 84.
The court set a recommended bail of P5.838 million for her temporary liberty.
The arrest came after the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City issued a resolution Sept. 1 finding sufficient basis to charge Lakam with 124 counts of qualified theft involving an alleged total of P44,396,331.65.
The case involves separate withdrawals and online transfers from the corporate bank accounts of House of Little Bunny Philippines Inc. (HOLB), a company owned by Kim and Lakam.
According to the prosecutor’s findings, the funds involved came from the company’s sales and revenues and were intended for legitimate corporate expenses.
The resolution also stated that no board resolution, secretary’s certificate or other corporate authorization was presented to show that Lakam was authorized to use the company’s funds for personal purposes or investment activities.
Lakam, however, denied the allegations.
In her statement cited in the prosecutor’s resolution, Lakam said she was not the company’s treasurer or general manager but its corporate secretary.
She also disputed the characterization of the withdrawals and online transfers as unauthorized, saying that she and Kim had joint bank accounts.
Lakam further claimed that she and Kim had an understanding that the funds could also be used for other business ventures.
She explained that money involved in casino-related transactions was allegedly intended for a business venture that she expected would generate returns, rather than for personal gambling.
The legal dispute between the sisters began in December 2025, when Kim filed a qualified theft complaint against Lakam after allegedly discovering financial discrepancies involving their business.
Kim later acknowledged the difficulty of pursuing a legal case against her own sister.
“The decision did not come easily. It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life,” Kim said in a previous statement.
Lakam’s lawyer previously said their client was saddened by Kim’s decision to pursue the case but remained hopeful that the dispute could still be resolved amicably within the family.
“Our client is saddened by her sister’s decision to pursue the case but remains hopeful that the matter can still be resolved amicably within the family. She will address the charges through the proper legal process,” the lawyer said.
With the issuance of the arrest warrant and Lakam’s subsequent arrest, the case has moved to another stage in the judicial process.
She is reportedly being held temporarily at a custodial facility while awaiting a commitment order from the court.
As of posting, Kim has yet to issue a statement regarding her sister’s arrest.
