MANILA — The dispute among the children of late National Artist Nora Aunor resurfaced after actress Lotlot de Leon rejected statements made by her brother Ian de Leon regarding the management of their mother’s estate.

In a report, it said that the latest exchange stemmed from Ian’s appearance on the June 19 Father’s Day episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” where he discussed the creation of a one-person corporation (OPC) that he said would oversee projects related to Nora Aunor’s legacy.

According to Ian, the for-profit Nora Aunor Enterprise was established to manage the late actress’ estate and assets, including future productions, documentaries and exhibits. He said a portion of the company’s proceeds would be transferred to the non-profit Nora Aunor Foundation, which includes the NoraCares charity program launched by Aunor in 2017.

When asked about actress Matet de Leon’s earlier statement that the siblings were not informed about the OPC, Ian said the corporation was discussed during a family meeting held 40 days after their mother’s death.

“[The OPC] was still a concept during that time and I wanted them to be involved,” Ian said. “I think noon time na ‘yun, they weren’t ready because it was still a concept but I told them I would pursue this and was willing for everyone to be on board.”

Ian also said another discussion involving the siblings took place through Zoom, where Matet was present.

He acknowledged that disagreements exist within the family but expressed hope that they would eventually unite in preserving their mother’s legacy.

“Our opinions may differ but ultimately I can see in the future na we will all connive into one certain purpose,” he said.

Ian also said legal processes concerning Nora Aunor’s estate “take time” and should be handled accordingly.

As of the program’s taping, he said he remained in regular communication with brothers Kiko and Kenneth but not with his sisters.

During a media conference for the upcoming film “40 Days” on the same day, Lotlot denied Ian’s claim that the siblings had been informed about the OPC.

“He never told us, he never shared anything with us at all,” Lotlot said.

She also defended her siblings against what she described as false statements.

“Ikakayaman ko ba ang pagsisinungaling, ang pangingisa ng kapwa?” Lotlot said. “Enough! Enough with the lies, with all of that. Wala na kaming sinasabi and then you go out on a TV show to tell everyone sinabi mo amin, which is not true.”

Lotlot said she had previously allowed a statement from her lawyer to speak on the issue but became emotional as she recalled treating Ian as her own sibling while they were growing up.

“I don’t understand why. Again, sa kanya na lahat. Wala akong hinihingi, inaagaw o si Matet. He can have it all!” she said. “Kasi para sa’kin, sapat nang natawag kong Mommy si Nora Aunor, napalaki ng isang Superstar, nabigyan ng isang pangalan ni Mommy.”

She apologized for her emotional remarks after acknowledging her anger and frustration over the issue.

Ian later responded through Facebook Stories, disputing Lotlot’s statements and maintaining that discussions about the OPC had taken place during the family’s 40th day gathering and a subsequent Zoom meeting, for which he shared a screenshot.

He also claimed that his siblings moved to establish a separate foundation following Nora Aunor’s death, adding that he wanted legal issues surrounding the estate settled before supporting such plans.

“The staff of a significant figure even informed us that they donated and may nilapitan pa silang isang malaking tao,” Ian said. “Also the office informed us but they hesitated to donate, which made me post a statement to protect my family in case of any legal problems.”

Ian further alleged there had been an attempt to obtain his signature during a dinner attended by lawyers, reiterating the need to complete legal requirements before proceeding with any organization related to Nora Aunor’s legacy.

Responding to Lotlot’s criticism, Ian questioned her reaction to his television interview.

“Who put down the siblings? Did you even watch the whole show before reacting? Kayo lang ba pwede mag pa-interview? I don’t go out just like that, it’s for [a] Father’s Day episode,” he said.

Ian also said he continues to regard Lotlot as his sister and denied accusations that he intended to keep their mother’s estate for himself.

“Sa’kin na lahat? After the state funeral when [the] 5 of us [were] talking I was clear,” he said. “[I] told you guys na tulong-tulong tayong lima dito at maging transparent sa isa’t isa and everything will take time and everything will be divided equally. Pero ang palabas is madamot ako? Why?”

He concluded by disputing another of Lotlot’s claims.

“Sino ang may inaagaw? I didn’t say na may inaagaw kayo. Why say that? To put me down?” he said.