LAKAMBINI “Lakam” Chiu, the eldest sister of actress and television host Kim Chiu, has posted bail and been temporarily released from custody following her arrest on Sunday, September 20.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 84 had set recommended bail at ₱5.838 million in relation to 124 counts of qualified theft involving funds from House of Little Bunny Philippines, Inc. (HOLB), the fashion business co‑owned by the two sisters. Lakam was taken into custody in Barangay Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City, and has since complied with all necessary requirements to secure her liberty while the case proceeds.
The charges stem from allegations that Lakam, in her capacity as a corporate officer of HOLB, made unauthorized withdrawals and transfers totaling ₱44,396,331.65 from the company’s joint bank accounts between 2022 and 2025.
The Quezon City Office of the City Prosecutor found sufficient evidence to support the complaints filed by Kim, noting that the funds were diverted for purposes unrelated to legitimate business operations. Lakam has consistently denied the accusations, maintaining that she had authorization to use the accounts and that the transactions were part of agreed‑upon ventures.
Lakam’s release is subject to standard court conditions, including a requirement to appear at all scheduled hearings and surrender her travel documents should the court so direct.
The case is now set for arraignment and trial, where both sides will present their evidence before the court. The legal rift between the sisters has drawn widespread public attention, having begun when Kim first filed the complaint in December 2025 following an internal review of the company’s finances.
metrosundaily
