QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Actress and television host Kim Chiu broke her silence on Thursday, expressing deep personal pain following the arrest of her elder sister, Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, over a qualified theft complaint she filed herself regarding millions in corporate funds.
Speaking on the matter, the “It’s Showtime” host acknowledged the public reaction while emphasizing that key details remain confidential due to pending court proceedings.
“Sobrang nasasaktan po ako. People may have different opinions with my decision, and I understand that,” Chiu expressed.
Chiu clarified that the lawsuit was initiated to safeguard her enterprise rather than personal funds, explaining that the business represented her long-term investment outside of the entertainment industry.
”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,” Chiu said.
She noted that the formal charge covers discrepancies observed between January and July 2025, hinting that the issue runs deeper than what has been officially disclosed.
“There is so much more to this story that I am choosing not to disclose publicly,” Chiu stated, adding: “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.”
The statement came after Chiu attended her sister’s arraignment at the Quezon City Hall of Justice. Lakam was apprehended by authorities on Sunday before securing temporary liberty through a ₱5.6-million surety bond.
The legal action stems from alleged financial irregularities totaling roughly ₱44.4 million within House of Little Bunny Philippines, Inc. (HOLB-PH), a business venture where both siblings hold stakes.
Addressing reporters, Chiu’s legal counsel, Atty. Margrein Gregana, underscored that the complaint is purely a corporate affair and affirmed their commitment to seeing the judicial process through.
“Naniniwala ang HOLB at si Kim Chiu sa justice system natin at pinapaubaya niya ito na dadaanan sa tamang proseso para makamit ang hustisiya,” Gregana said.