MANILA, Philippines — Actress Kim Chiu broke her silence on the legal case involving her sister, Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, saying she is deeply hurt by the situation but has chosen to let the legal process take its course.
Kim made the statement after attending Lakam’s arraignment at the Quezon City Hall of Justice, where she was accompanied by Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi. Lakam is facing 124 counts of qualified theft filed in connection with alleged transactions involving their business, House of Little Bunny Philippines Inc. (HOLB).
“I do not know where to start po. Sobrang nasasaktan po ako (I am deeply hurt). People may have different opinions with my decision, and I understand that,” Kim said in a statement released through ABS-CBN News.
She said she could not discuss certain details because the case remains under legal proceedings.
“There are things I cannot talk about because there is an ongoing legal process. This was never about my personal money,” she said.
Kim clarified that the dispute concerns the business she said she helped build beginning in 2023.
“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,” she said.
“What my legal team and I have filed covers ONLY the period from January to July of 2025. There is so much more to this story that I am choosing not to disclose publicly,” she added.
She said the company should be allowed to protect its interests and seek accountability through the legal process.
“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 (sic)worked for, and seek accountability through the proper legal process,” Kim said.
Kim ended her statement by saying she has more to share but is choosing to withhold details for now.
“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 said.
The developments came after Lakam’s camp successfully sought a reduction in her bail.
The Quezon City court lowered the amount from P5.8 million to P5.6 million. A cash bond could reduce the amount further to P2.9 million, while a surety bond would remain at P5.6 million.
Lakam had remained in custody following her Sept. 20 arrest in Barangay Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City, based on a warrant issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 84.
Her father was also present during Wednesday’s proceedings when Lakam underwent a medical procedure.
Meanwhile, Paulo Avelino, Kim’s onscreen partner, posted a series of remarks on X amid the legal dispute, although he did not mention Kim, Lakam or the case by name.
“I don’t think people understand the value of the ‘amount’ stolen,” Avelino wrote.
He then asked readers to consider what they could do with such an amount, citing major expenses and life goals.
“Think about what you would do with that money. Bibili ka ng bahay (Would you buy a house)? Medical Bills? School? Magsisimula ka ng bagong buhay (Would you start a new life)? That amount can build the life you’ve always dreamed of,” Avelino added.
Avelino ended the post with, “Now imagine someone took the life you’re supposed to be living in. Sa company palang yan (That’s just from the company). Pano pa kaya sa…..? (What more if it involved…..?)”
