Family and money rarely mix well, and this one is a hard reminder why. What started as a private family matter between Kim Chiu and her older sister Lakam is now a full blown legal case, and it is playing out for the whole country to see.
.jpg "Kim Chiu with a family member in a photo posted on Instagram")
Photo: Instagram / @kamchiuWhat is Kim Chiu's sister accused of?
Kim filed a complaint against Lakam after discovering what she called unusually large withdrawals and online transfers from the accounts of House of Little Bunny Philippines Inc, the family's corporate venture, back in May and June of 2025. The complaint was formally filed on July 15, 2026.
After reviewing the evidence, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City found enough grounds to charge Lakam. Philstar, Inquirer and GMA News all reported that the resolution covers a staggering amount:
The evidence on record establishes that respondent Lakambini unlawfully took and appropriated corporate funds in aggregate amount of P44,396,331.65, fully aware that the same did not belong to her.
That works out to 124 separate counts of qualified theft, according to Manila Bulletin and LionhearTV.
What does Lakam Chiu say in her defense?
Lakam is not taking this quietly. Through her lawyer, she strongly denied the qualified theft allegations. Her defense, as reported by Inquirer and GMA News, rests on two main points. First, she said she was never the treasurer or general manager of the company, only its corporate secretary. Second, she disputed the claim that her withdrawals and online transfers were done without authority.
Reports also noted that Lakam maintains the money she used, including funds tied to a casino, was meant for a business venture that was supposed to generate returns for the company, not for personal use.
Why did it come to this between two sisters?
Kim has not gone into every detail publicly, but the numbers involved explain why she felt she had no choice but to go the legal route. When tens of millions of pesos are unaccounted for in a company you built together, love for a sibling can only stretch so far before you need answers on paper.
It is a painful situation either way. Kim is protecting a business that supports her family and her staff. Lakam, meanwhile, is fighting to clear her name in a case that could carry serious consequences if it moves forward in court.
What happens next?
The case is now with the courts, and this is only the charging stage, not a final verdict. Both sides will have the chance to present their evidence. We will keep watching this space as more updates come out, since a case this size involving two showbiz sisters is far from over.
A lot of Pinoy families run small businesses together, and money issues can strain even the closest siblings. Have you ever had a falling out with family over finances? Tell us how you handled it in the comments.
Quick answers
How many counts of qualified theft is Lakam Chiu facing?
The Quezon City prosecutor found probable cause to charge her with 124 counts of qualified theft, tied to P44,396,331.65 in company funds.
What company is involved in the Kim Chiu and Lakam Chiu case?
The case involves House of Little Bunny Philippines Inc, a corporate venture connected to the Chiu family.
Has Lakam Chiu responded to the charges?
Yes. Through her lawyer, Lakam denied the allegations, saying she was only the corporate secretary and that the transactions were not unauthorized.
Updated September 18, 2026. Sources and photo credits: GMA Entertainment | Philstar | Inquirer Entertainment | Manila Bulletin | Fashion Pulis. All photos belong to their respective owners.