Nelson Morales

Article (news)

EXCLUSIVE: Kim Chiu says filing complaint vs sister Lakambini a difficult call

MJ Felipe

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764651918878viber_image_2025-12-02_12-24-47-592.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Kim Chiu. MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News"/>Kim Chiu. MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News</div>(UPDATED) TV host-actress Kim Chiu has filed a complaint against her sister Lakambini Chiu after discovering financial discrepancies in their business. Kim, together with her legal counsels Xylene Dolor and Archernar Gregana, filed the complaint and submitted her sworn statement together with all the documents and evidence before the Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor in Quezon City.“Today, nag-file si Kim ng criminal case against Lakambini Chiu,” Dolor said. “We filed a criminal complaint for qualified theft. That’s all we can share for now.”The financial discrepancies were discovered from their business, which Kim’s legal counsel opted not to mention. “Right now I am not authorized to name the business but I think fans would know kung ano po &#x27;yung business ventures na she shared with Miss Lakambini Chiu.”Rumor about this rift between the Chiu siblings have surfaced months back and fans have been mentioning that the business venture is Kim’s bag business.Dolor said the qualified theft complaint filed covered the current fiscal year. “We are looking at 2025, but that’s all we can share for now.”When asked about Lakambini’s role in the business, Dolor said: “Generally I can say that she (Lakambini Chiu) is part of the management of the business.”Apart from her legal counsels, Kim was also accompanied by her sister Twinkle and her brother-in-law.Dolor said there have been plenty of attempts to settle the problem internally.&quot;She reached out and the lawyers reached out also. But &#x27;yun nga po, it has also been a statement of Miss Kim na it has been a very difficult decision for her to do this and to proceed with this step.&quot;&quot;As far as I know, I have been in one or two meetings, but I know there have been several times na they reached out to each other,&quot; Dolor added.In a statement released Monday, the actress-host said the decision was made in the interest of transparency, accountability, and protecting her company.“After careful consideration and months of internal review, I have made the difficult decision to file a legal case for qualified theft against my sister, Lakambini Chiu, in relation to serious financial discrepancies discovered within my business operations. This decision did not come easily. It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life,” Kim said.She added that there were &quot;substantial amounts connected to my business assets that were found missing.&quot;This legal step was taken to &quot;protect not just my company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with me.&quot; Kim is asking for privacy in this difficult time in her family.Off camera, Kim managed only two words when ABS-CBN News asked how she was coping: “Sobrang bigat.”Below is the full statement of Kim:“I am issuing this statement with a heavy heart and with deep respect for the truth and for the people who have supported me throughout my career and my business journey.&quot;After careful consideration and months of internal review, I have made the difficult decision to file a legal case for qualified theft against my sister, Lakambini Chiu, in relation to serious financial discrepancies discovered within my business operations. This decision did not come easily. It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life.&quot;As many know, I built my business ventures — with hard work, passion, and trust in the people I love. Unfortunately, substantial amounts connected to my business assets were found missing. These discoveries forced me to take formal action to protect not just my company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with me and the integrity of everything I have built.&quot;This is a private family matter that has now become a legal process. I am choosing transparency, responsibility, and accountability —not only for myself, but also for the brand and community that has supported me from the beginning.&quot;I ask for understanding, respect, as our family navigates this very difficult chapter. I am hopeful that through the proper legal channels, clarity and fairness will prevail.&quot;Despite this painful situation, I remain committed to my work, my supporters, and the continued growth of my business ventures. I also continue to pray for healing and resolution for everyone involved.&quot;Thank you for your support, compassion, and respect during this time.”ABS-CBN News reached out to Lakambini and she said she&#x27;s consulting with her legal counsel and will issue a statement soon.<div> </div><div>RELATED VIDEO</div><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5PpFo6QCEk?&amp;pp=ygUVa2ltIGNoaXUgYWJzLWNibiBuZXdz&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

Kim Chiu admits it has been a difficult decision to take this legal step against her sister Lakambini Chiu.

Kim Chiu admits it has been a difficult decision to take this legal step against her sister Lakambini Chiu.