The death of Nora Aunor, the Philippine cinema’s Superstar, has sparked not just waves of grief but also a legal and familial dispute over her wealth. Reports have recently surfaced that Nora’s adopted children are now involved in a legal battle, with some claiming a share of her estate, which was primarily left to her biological son, Ian De Leon.

The controversy began when several of Nora’s adopted children, who have long been part of her family, alleged that Ian De Leon, who is Nora’s only biological child, had taken full control of his mother’s assets, leaving them with little to no inheritance. According to sources close to the family, this situation has sparked tensions, especially among the adopted children who feel that they have been unfairly excluded from Nora’s wealth.

The details of the inheritance dispute are still unclear, but there have been claims that Nora Aunor’s assets, including her homes, royalties, and other properties, were not properly distributed after her passing. As it stands, Ian De Leon is reported to be in charge of managing his mother’s estate, but tensions have reportedly risen as the adopted children demand a fair share of their late mother’s fortune.

The situation has caused a stir in both public and legal circles, as it raises concerns about the treatment of adopted children in inheritance matters. Nora’s legacy, built on decades of hard work and iconic performances, now risks being overshadowed by a dispute that seems to tarnish the memory of a beloved figure in Philippine showbiz.

While some family members are keeping quiet, others, particularly from Nora’s extended family, have reportedly spoken out in support of Ian. They claim that Ian should rightfully have control over his mother’s estate, given that he is her biological son, and that the adopted children are only looking to claim what was not rightfully theirs.

However, others argue that Nora Aunor treated her adopted children with love and care, and that they should also receive a portion of her wealth as part of the family. It remains unclear whether legal action will be taken or if the family will be able to reach a settlement outside the courts.

As of now, Ian De Leon has not publicly commented on the matter, and it is unclear what the final outcome will be. One thing is for certain—the drama surrounding Nora Aunor’s estate has added a layer of controversy to the ongoing mourning of her death, and the legacy of the iconic actress continues to be overshadowed by family disputes.

Fans of Nora Aunor are left hoping that her memory and legacy can be preserved without further turmoil and that the family can find a peaceful resolution to what is now a painful chapter in the late actress’s life.

Ian de Leon reveals cause of death of Nora Aunor
Ian: “My mommy and I, my siblings and I, we are open books to each other.”
Ian de Leon revealed the cause of Nora Aunor’s death on April 16, 2025.

Read: Nora Aunor dead at 71

“Technically and clinically speaking, the cause of death was acute respiratory failure,” Ian directly said in an interview with Vicky Morales on 24 Oras, Friday, April 18, 2025.

Acute respiratory failure, according to mcgill.ca, refers to the inability of the lungs to carry sufficient oxygen to the blood and systemic organs.

Apart from this, Ian did not elaborate further on Nora’s confinement at The Medical City in Pasig City.

On April 16, Ian first said in a press conference that his mother underwent surgery.

After the surgery, Nora reportedly had difficulty breathing, and from then on, the multi-awarded actress’ condition did not improve.

“And that’s why they had to do another procedure after that,” Ian briefly added.

NORA AUNOR LAST MOMENTS
On April 16, as gathered by PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), siblings Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth were with Nora at the very moment she passed away. The only one who did not make it to her mother was Kiko.

Nora’s doctor made “at least four attempts” to revive the actress, and at one point even had her body rested before reviving her again.

Nora was said to have been unconscious at the time, and never regained consciousness.

Nora’s children simply whispered their final message to their mother, believing that the actress would still hear it.

Aside from Nora’s four children, Ian’s wife, Kenneth’s wife, and the father-in-law of Nora’s children, National Artist Ricky Lee, were also present at the time. Nora was confined to the hospital for a week before she passed away at exactly 9:53 P.M. on April 16.

IAN DE LEON LAST EXCHANGE WITH NORA AUNOR
Continuing Vicky’s interview with 24 Oras, Ian confirmed that her siblings were with her the day Nora passed away.

They said they didn’t leave her until the last moment.

Ian also shared that before Nora was hospitalized, they exchanged messages via chat.

There was a farewell tone in the flow of Nora’s message, according to Ian.

“Her last message to me was, ‘Son, please give my grandchildren a kiss. Tell them I love them very much.’

“I said, ‘Mom, don’t talk like that. Let’s go outing. Let’s have a birthday party. Let’s bond.’

“That was our last chat, our last conversation.

“I told her how much I love her, how much her grandchildren love her… I’m praying for her.” IAN DE LEON ON FAMILY ISSUES
Ian did not hide that Nora’s personal life is complicated and that there are times when their family goes through misunderstandings.

Ian’s story added to Mariz Umali on 24 Oras: “Our whole life, it hasn’t been easy.

“Human life is not easy. There are many trials. Our mother is no different.

“Each of us has things to go through. Sometimes there are little misunderstandings.

“But instead of everything, the important thing is to return to God, learn to forgive, learn to love truly, learn to understand others even if they are the ones who wrong us.”

Ian continued, “Because there are many people around us who don’t understand what our personal life was like with our mother.

“But we learned to forgive. That’s what our mother showed us.

“We learned to love completely, to give, because that’s what our mother set an example for us.”

Ian said he had no more messages to give for his late mother.

“My mom and I, my siblings, we are open books to each other,” Ian explained.

“We didn’t choose to hide our resentment, we didn’t choose to hide our anger towards each other.

“Yes, it’s normal, there are times when we don’t understand each other. Each of us has probably experienced that in our own families.

“But we see to it that before we talk again, our hearts are connected to each other again. Of course, the Lord is the example we make.”

IAN DE LEON ON NORA AUNOR’S FAITH IN GOD
Is there anything Ian can share about Nora that the public doesn’t know, asked Mariz Umali.

Ian replied, “She was public property up until the very end.

“All she ever wanted to happen, when she was still alive, was to be with just us. No one else. Us, her children, her grandchildren.

“But sometimes that’s next to impossible. You would understand.”

For Ian, the best legacy her mother left him was her faith in God.

“But she would always remind us to not let go of our good Lord. No matter what bad things we hear from other people, those who don’t agree with us.

“She told us, ‘Forgive them. Understand them. Always remember, Son, the way other people treat you, it’s not your bad manners. It’s just a reflection of their personality.

“‘If you are going to be affected by what people say to you, it means they are in control of you, not you. You should be in control of your life, your emotions, not other people, not other situations.’”

Ian is optimistic despite grieving Nora’s passing.

“That’s why we found peace in this moment because we know that our good Lord is with us right now, healing us, giving us strength, wisdom, and knowledge.

“It’s not a loss, but a gain in our Father’s heavenly kingdom. So, we should celebrate her life.”