Photo from Instagram/@kamchiu
Lakambini Chiu released after arraignment on 124 charges involving disputed corporate funds
MANILA — Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, the older sister of actress and television host Kim Chiu, pleaded not guilty Thursday, Sept. 24, to 124 counts of qualified theft involving about ₱44.4 million in disputed corporate funds and was released after posting a ₱5.6-million surety bond.
Lakam appeared at her arraignment before a Quezon City court by videoconference, while Kim attended proceedings at the Quezon City Hall of Justice with Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi. Lakam’s lawyer, Dominic Solis, confirmed the not-guilty plea.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said Lakam was released from the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory at Camp Karingal at about 5:30 p.m. after posting the surety bond. She had been arrested Sept. 20 in Mandaluyong City.
The charges stem from a complaint involving House of LittleBunny Philippines Inc. A Quezon City prosecutor’s resolution found sufficient basis to pursue 124 counts involving withdrawals and transfers totaling ₱44,396,331.65. That determination allowed the cases to proceed but does not establish that Lakam committed the alleged offenses.
Lakam has denied qualified theft and has disputed the characterization of the transactions as unauthorized.
Kim said after the arraignment that the case concerns company funds rather than her personal money. She said the charges currently cover transactions from January through July 2025 and that she would not discuss other matters while the proceedings remain pending.
The cases remain before the court, which has yet to determine the allegations.
