Following public curiosity surrounding the management of the late Nora Aunor’s estate, Ian de Leon has immediately clarified that his adopted siblings are not being excluded in any plans related to their mother’s legacy, intellectual property, and estate.

When asked where his adopted siblings stand in the arrangement, Ian made it clear from the start that family ties remain intact and respected.

His adopted siblings include Lotlot de Leon, Matet de Leon, Kiko de Leon, and Kenneth de Leon.

He emphasized that legal responsibility should not be mistaken for family division.

“I respect my siblings a lot. Under the law, I hold the responsibility to do this, first and foremost… It’s not to brag about. But, of course, I hold the responsibility to do this in their favor,” Ian said.

He further clarified that the establishment of the Nora Aunor Enterprise and Nora Aunor Foundation is not rooted in family politics or exclusion, but in ensuring proper management of their mother’s enduring legacy.

Ian, biological son of the late National Artist Nora Aunor, who passed away on April 16, 2025 at age 71, clarified that while he is legally recognized as the sole heir, this designation is primarily for administrative and legal responsibility, not an exclusion of his siblings.

He stressed the importance of organizing the vast creative estate left behind by the Superstar.

“We had to establish structure and authority, and to put order to things for these people (fans and audiences) to genuinely still enjoy her essence, even though she’s not around,” Ian said in an interview with “Beyond the Exchange.”

He further explained that being the legal heir means accountability over his mother’s films, music catalog, name, and intellectual property rights, especially in ensuring these are protected and not misused.

Ian pointed out that legacy management is a common and established system abroad, citing how estates of global icons are professionally handled.

He compared their approach to international legacy estates such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, where intellectual property, image rights, and branding are carefully protected and structured.

According to him, the Philippines is only beginning to formalize this kind of system for artists of national importance.

A key concern for Ian is the unauthorized use of Nora Aunor’s name and image, which he says must be regulated to protect her dignity as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.

Through structured legacy management, the family aims to prevent misuse while ensuring that fans continue to experience and celebrate her work in an organized and respectful manner.