Ian de Leon explains one-person corp. established for Nora Aunor's legacy, promises to be fair to siblings

Ian de Leon has clarified the purpose of the One-Person Corporation (OPC) established to manage his late mom Nora Aunor's legacy.

On “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” Friday, Ian explained that the OPC serves as the legal structure overseeing two things: the for-profit entity Nora Aunor Enterprise, and the non-profit Nora Aunor Foundation.

According to Ian, the Nora Aunor Enterprise is a for-profit entity that plans to produce concerts, shows, documentaries, exhibits, musicals, and other projects centered on the life and work of the Superstar.

Meanwhile, the non-profit organization, the Nora Aunor Foundation, will receive a portion of the enterprise's earnings.

“‘Yung enterprise ay sa for profit entity, meaning to say we have plans of doing shows, concerts, documentary, exhibits, whatnot, musicals and stuff like that that’s why established also the other entity, the Nora Aunor Foundation, so that 15% of the proceeds from the enterprise will go to the foundation,” Ian explained.

Ian establishing the OPC had been controversial after his adopted sister, Matet de Leon, claimed they had not been informed about his plans.

But on Friday, Ian clarified the concept of the OPC was first discussed during the 40th day memorial for Nora at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, where his four siblings were present.

According to Ian, they were all informed about his plans at the time.

"I wanted them involved," Ian said. “This was still a concept during that time and I want them to be involved with the plans that I have, to continue mom’s legacy and I think ‘yung time na ‘yun they weren’t ready. It was still a concept. But I told them I would pursue this. I’m willing for everyone to be onboard.”

“I told them. In fact, there was a meeting that was held sa Zoom where Matet was also there twice. She was aware,” Ian added.

When asked about the current state of their relationship, Ian acknowledged that misunderstandings are inevitable within families, especially one that lives in the public eye.

“As far as I’m concerned kasi, in a family unit — unfortunately for us kasi we’re, you know, public. Everyone knows what’s happening. But people have to understand that family units have their own misunderstandings,” Ian said.

“So para sa akin, it’s only a matter of time. I would let time take its own course. You know, I don’t want to force anything until it’s the right time for things to be solved,” he said.

Despite differing opinions among the siblings, Ian expressed optimism that they will eventually unite behind the common goal of preserving Nora’s legacy.

“I would do whatever it is to uphold mom’s legacy and to fulfill what her dream was while she was still around," Ian told Tito Boy.

"This is not for me, it’s for mom. People have to understand, it’s for her legacy, the continuation of her legacy because that’s what we want eh."

He emphasized the initiative is not about personal interests but about honoring the journey of a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the country's most celebrated artists and a National Artist.

“Just because she passed away doesn’t mean her legacy would end there. It's more on extending her inspiration from a little girl whose selling water and peanuts sa train station to becoming a superstar and ultimately a National Artist,” he said.

“We want to uphold that. Siguro our opinions may differ but ultimately I can see in the future na you know we will all connive into one certain purpose.”

Ian also addressed speculation that tensions within the family stem from inheritance issues.

He clarified the distribution of an estate is a legal process that takes time and cannot happen immediately after a person's passing.

“Just to make things clear, the mana issue. I just wanna set the records straight, things take time. It’s not like your mother passes today, the next week may mana. Everything has to be dealt legally,” Ian shared.

“I’m no legal expert but I’m sure as heaven that I will have a crash course on legalities in order for this to have order and structure kasi one reason why decided to pursue this is i don’t want mom’s name to be used freely, loosely by anyone who does things for their personal gain,” he explained

Asked directly whether he intends to be fair to his siblings in matters involving their mother's estate, Ian gave a firm assurance.

"Of course. Definitely. For me I would do the things that just need to be done right now. It's hard kasi Tito Boy to focus on what’s happening, all the discussion that’s been thrown around especially with what’s happening with the siblings and all,” Ian said.

“But I have to keep our focus on extending and doing what needs to be done in order to establish mom’s legacy and to continue that for further generations.”

Nora died on April 16, 2025 at the age of 71. According to Ian, her only biological child, her cause of death was Acute Respiratory Failure.

Dubbed the Superstar, Nora was named a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. She was known for her iconic roles in the films "Himala," "Bona," and "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo."

Her last films include "Mananambal," where she starred with Bianca Umali, and "Pieta," where she starred with Alfred Vargas.

In 2024, she appeared in the GMA Afternoon Prime series "Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law," starring Jo Berry. The two of them previously worked together in the 2018 Kapuso series "Onanay."

Nora was also known for her singing voice. Among her popular songs include "Pearly Shells" and "Tiny Bubbles."

She married Christopher de Leon in 1975, but they later separated and their marriage was annulled in 1996. They have five children: Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth. — LA, GMA News