Lotlot de Leon not after mom Nora Aunor's inheritance — counsel

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MANILA, Philippines — Tensions indeed appear to be brewing within the family of the late national artist Nora Aunor, particularly among her children.

Ate Guy, as fondly called by her fans and peers, passed away last year aged 71 from acute respiratory failure and was mourned by Filipinos worldwide

A few days before Nora's first death anniversary, Ian de Leon — Nora's only biological son, whom she had with ex-husband Christopher de Leon — told broadcast journalist Rico Hizon that he was Nora's sole legal heir.

In the same interview, Ian expounded on the establishment of the Nora Aunor Enterprise and Nora Aunor Foundation to preserve his mother's legacy and his seemingly strained relationship with adopted siblings Lotlot, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth de Leon.

Lotlot, the eldest daughter, then issued a statement through her legal counsel Atty. Mark Julius Estur to clarify some of the things Ian mentioned in the interview, particularly about her lack of involvement in the established initiatives and of Nora's estate.

Estur said that Lotlot was not involved or consulted at all in the establishment of a One Person Corporation or OPC, adding that in their party's view a foundation can't be established through an OPC legally.

"Any statement of attribution to Lotlot is misleading and a false representation," the lawyer reiterated. "She has not participated in the founding, management, or fundraising efforts of the OPCs that Ian has established and that her personal charitable efforts remain focused elsewhere."

Lolot also denied what Ian had claimed that despite being the sole heir, she and their siblings would still be included in any plans regarding to Nora's estate, again not consulted or informed about her participation or administration plans.

As far as Lotlot knows, said Estur, there is no Last Will and Testament executed assigning sole administration and authority to Nora's

"Lotlot is not after any inheritance nor seeking for any gain attached to the estate and legacy of her mother," the statement continued. "She has stepped away completely and this was a conscious and respectful decision after Ian chose to take full responsibility for all legal matters."

In regards to a foundation Lotlot previously established with her sibling, Estur said Ian was informed and expressed support for the venture.

As such Lotlot find its "deeply hurtful and difficult to understand" why Ian denied knowledge about it after the said foundation's social media platforms were made public, hence why Lotlot and Ian have not communicated since.

"Lotlot has remained silent before out of respect for their mother and to avoid further conflicts during an already difficult time," the statement went on. "But that silence has been misunderstood. Our client will not allow her name to be dragged into something she is not a part of, or used in a way that does not reflect the truth."

Estur said Lotlot "stands independently and refuses to be part of a false narrative," asking everyone not to associate her with Ian's efforts and will no longer comment further on the matter.

"Let us continue to honor Nora's memories and remember her with love... Her legacy will continue to live on through those whose lives she has touched. Lotlot shall continue to honor her mother's memory privately, truthfully and in her own way," the statement ended.

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