Kim Chiu says 'more to the story' after attending sister Lakam's arraignment

MANILA, Philippines — Actress-host Kim Chiu broke her silence over new developments regarding the qualified theft case she filed against her older sister Lakambini or Lakam.

It can be recalled that last December, Kim filed the case in Quezon City after finding "serious financial discrepancies discovered" in their business, House of Little Bunny (HOLB) Philippines Inc.

The Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City formally charged Lakam for 124 counts of qualified theft.

Investigations found Lakam withdrew funds without Kim's knowledge and used the money for "casino junkets and other personal business ventures" not involving HOLB Philippines.

"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," said the resolution.

Lakam was arrested last September 20, Sunday, by operatives of the Quezon City Police District and the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 84 set bail at P5.838 million for her temporary liberty, lowered to P5.million following an appeal from her lawyers.

Lakam was officially arraigned on September 24, Thursday, at the Quezon City Hall of Justice where Kim was present alongside Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi.

The older Chiu only attended the arraignment via videoconference and pleaded not guilty to the 124 charges against her. She reportedly underwent a medical procedure the previous day while in custody and was visited by the sisters' father William.

Lakam then posted bail and was released from custody that afternoon. Kim issued a statement that evening on social media to address what had transpired so far, admitting she was hurt and confused.

"People may have different opinions with my decision, and I understand that," the actress-host said. "There are things I cannot talk about because there is an ongoing legal process. This was never about my personal money."

Kim explained that everything pointed to HOLB Philippines which was "built with years of hard work, sacrifices, and dreams," a business she poured her heart into hoping it would sustain her should she decide to leave the entertainment industry.

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? 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..... ????‍??

The "It's Showtime" host clarified that the case only covers the period from January to July 2025 though there was more to the story she was choosing to disclose to the public just yet.

"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," she said.

Kim reiterated choosing to share too much at the moment given there is "a proper time and place for the truth," ending her statement putting faith in the legal process.

Paulo Avelino, Kim's current onscreen partner, also lightly addressed the issue on X by pointing out that there are those who don't 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? That amount can build the life you've always dreamed of," Avelino asked.

The actor ended by positing, "Now imagine someone took the life you're supposed to be living in. Sa company pa lang yan. Paano pa kaya sa..." He ended his post with the shrugging emoji.

abtestabtest Bea Alonzo, Vincent Co back to work after European honeymoon By Charmie Joy Pagulong | 16 hours ago Following their low-key civil wedding in July and honeymoon in Europe, Bea Alonzo’s husband, Puregold Price Club president... Entertainment ‘Chika Cart’ hosts give two cents on handling blind items By Jerry Donato | 16 hours ago Entertainment news encompasses profiles about celebrities and creatives and the plight of the industry they all belong t... Entertainment Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard fears being moved by AI actor 7 hours ago Marion Cotillard wondered whether AI actors could eventually become convincing enough to fool audiences. Entertainment Moira denies being third party in Sam Milby, Catriona Gray breakup By Jan Milo Severo | 7 days ago Singer Moira dela Torre has broken her silence after her name was dragged into the breakup of actor Sam Milby and Miss Universe... Entertainment 'Filipiñana' star Jorrybell Agoto battles cancer By Kristofer Purnell | 23 hours ago Jorrybell Agoto is seeking financial assistance amid a battle against cancer. Entertainment Latest More in Entertainment 'Sunshine', 'I'mPerfect' lead PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2026 nominees 'Most Sophia thing I could do': Sophia Laforteza reflects on 'Forgotten Island' cover song Bona, Jang Se Hyuk time travel, swap bodies in 'Dive Into You' Gaza documentary 'NAZA' to be available online free: Israeli director abtest Macklemore hits back with 'Free Palestine Tour' after Sheeran split 7 hours ago Macklemore announced three shows in London, Paris and Dublin for late October, with US dates also planned, and said all proceeds... Entertainment What happens when 700 performers take the stage in Tibet? By Janelle Lorzano | 16 hours ago Visiting Tibet (Xizang), China, has always been on my bucket list. When I had the opportunity to be one of the 98 participants... Entertainment Demythologizing a revolution By Juaniyo Y. Arcellana | 16 hours ago It’s not surprising that nationalist democrats are less than satisfied with the biopic on the martial law  era... Entertainment Taylor Lautner, wife Tay welcome daughter Lennon Taylor By Kristofer Purnell | 1 day ago Three Taylor Lautners! Entertainment Recommended Monsod criticizes senators over stand on vote threshold 16 hours ago A framer of the 1987 Constitution called out Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Camille Villar, who objected to the proposal... EntertainmentSENATORSVOTE Gatchalian attends MOPC dialogue 16 hours ago Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian will attend today’s dialogue with the Manila Overseas Press Club. EntertainmentGATCHALIAN Wanted: Counselors September 25, 2026 - 12:00am While riveted by the events unfolding at the Senate, let’s not forget the threat faced by millions of young people in our schools. EntertainmentSENATE Senate OKs new franchise for Razon’s power utility 16 hours ago Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.’s Bohol Light Co. Inc. is moving closer to securing a new franchise to operate in Tagbilaran... EntertainmentENRIQUE RAZON Future impeachment courts can decide differently in threshold question 23 hours ago Future impeachment courts can compute the two-thirds vote for conviction differently from the court trying Vice President... EntertainmentSARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENTSENATE next Recommended Monsod criticizes senators over stand on vote threshold A framer of the 1987 Constitution called out Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Camille Villar, who objected to the proposal to lower the number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial. 16 hours ago SENATORS VOTE Gatchalian attends MOPC dialogue Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian will attend today’s dialogue with the Manila Overseas Press Club. 16 hours ago GATCHALIAN Wanted: Counselors While riveted by the events unfolding at the Senate, let’s not forget the threat faced by millions of young people in our schools. 16 hours ago SENATE Senate OKs new franchise for Razon’s power utility Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.’s Bohol Light Co. Inc. is moving closer to securing a new franchise to operate in Tagbilaran City after hurdling the Senate. 16 hours ago ENRIQUE RAZON Future impeachment courts can decide differently in threshold question Future impeachment courts can compute the two-thirds vote for conviction differently from the court trying Vice President Sara Duterte, which ruled this week that only senators able to take part in the trial will be counted. 23 hours ago SARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT SENATE OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!