‘Sometimes, justice hurts’: Pinoys sympathize with Kim Chiu as she files complaint vs sister

Posted by ReyFort Media

Filipinos expressed sympathy for actress-host Kim Chiu after she filed a qualified theft complaint against her older sister, Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, in connection with their business.

ABS-CBN reported that the showbiz personality appeared at the Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor in Quezon City on Tuesday, December 2, to file the complaint and submit supporting documents and evidence.

The complaint stemmed from Kim’s discovery that “substantial amounts” related to her business assets were “found missing.”

Xylene Dolor, one of Kim’s legal counsels, said that the qualified theft complaint covers the current fiscal year.

“We are looking at 2025, but that’s all we can share for now,” Dolor was quoted as saying.

Dolor also said that Lakam “is part of the management of the business.”

Apart from her legal counsel, Kim was accompanied by her sister Twinkle and her brother-in-law.

Xylene noted that Kim and her lawyers had reached out previously, emphasizing that there had been “several attempts” to resolve the matter internally.

The actress, for her part, said the “difficult decision” was made to ensure transparency, accountability, and to protect 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,” she said.

“This decision did not come easily. It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life,” Kim added.

She added that the legal measures were taken to protect her company and the “livelihoods of the people who work” with her.

Off camera, Kim told ABS-CBN when asked how she was coping: “Sobrang bigat.”

Meanwhile, reports of the actress filing a complaint against her sister saddened many Filipinos, who are known for valuing family ties.

“Sad news, but sure ako super hard din ‘to para kay Kim,” a Facebook user wrote.

“Ang laki siguro ng pera kaya need mag-file na ni Kim… nakakalungkot lang, umabot pa sila sa ganitong sistema. Pagdating talaga sa pera… walang kapatid… walang kadugo… Hindi lang kasi pera ang nawala, pati TIWALA,” another commented.

“Kaya ‘wag isali ang mga relatives sa negosyo, kasi maaaring malugi at sarilihin na lang, pwede mo silang bigyan or i-spoiled sa ibang bagay, pero ‘wag sa negosyo talaga,” a different Pinoy wrote.

“If I were in her place, I would do the same. When money vanishes and trust is broken, and every private attempt to fix it fails, filing a complaint becomes an act of courage, not betrayal. Sometimes, justice hurts… but staying silent hurts even more,” another said.

Reports said that rumors of a rift between the Chiu siblings have been circulating for months, with fans noting that the dispute involves the actress’ bag business.

Last June, Kim and Lakam were seen together celebrating Father’s Day with their father, William Chiu.

Meanwhile, Filipinos are generally known for their strong family-oriented values. For instance, it is less common for young people to move out of their parents’ homes immediately, unlike in Western societies. (J. Malasig/Interakyon)