Actress and It’s Showtime host Kim Chiu recently filed a qualified theft complaint against her sister, Lakambini Chiu.
Kim’s management, Star Magic, released her official statement on the case and confirmed that she had filed the complaint on December 2 at the Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Hall at the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. The talent agency also posted photos of Kim giving her sworn statement accompanied by her legal team.
Kim’s official statement explains that her complaint is due to “serious financial discrepancies discovered within [her] business operations” in connection with Lakambini. She also notes how this was not a decision she made lightly, spending months on internal review.
“[S]ubstantial amounts connected to my business assets were found missing,” wrote Kim. “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.”
Months in the Making
The two sisters had reportedly already been at odds earlier this year. As reported by SunStar, Lakambini was allegedly spotted at a hotel casino and lost money she had been keeping for Kim.
Fans also noted that the sisters had unfollowed each other on Instagram as of August 13. Kim’s previous Instagram post on August 4 had also been accompanied by a cryptic caption, where she wrote, “It’s been a ride lately. Not the fun kind. Didn’t expect it. Didn’t prepare for it.” However, earlier this November, Cristy Fermin stated on her YouTube show, Showbiz Now Na!, that the two sisters had reconciled.
As for which business operations Kim is referring to in her statement, her legal team has chosen to keep this information private. “I am not authorized to name the business,” Kim’s legal counsel Xylene Dolor said in an interview with ABS-CBN. “But I think fans would know kung ano po ‘yung business ventures na she shared with Miss Lakambini Chiu.” Dolor added that the complaint covered the current fiscal year.
As of writing, Lakambini has yet to release an official statement on the case.
