Kris Aquino’s Will Revealed: Massive Fortune Divided, James Yap and Philip Salvador Left Shocked

May 1, 2025

Manila, Philippines — In a stunning and emotional turn of events, Philippine media icon Kris Aquino has officially revealed the contents of her last will and testament, sending shockwaves across the country. After days of private family discussions and reported conflict, details about the division of her substantial wealth—estimated to be worth several hundred million pesos—have finally come to light. What’s most surprising to many is the role (or lack thereof) that her former partners, James Yap and Philip Salvador, play in her final wishes.

A Mother’s Legacy

Kris Aquino, often referred to as the “Queen of All Media,” is no stranger to public attention. From her early days as a talk show host and actress to her advocacy work and candid social media presence, Kris has lived much of her life in the spotlight. Yet, even in illness—battling chronic autoimmune conditions—she has remained fiercely protective of her two sons, Josh and Bimby.

According to legal documents and family sources, Kris’s will focuses almost exclusively on securing the future of her children. She has created separate, carefully managed trusts for both, designed to fund their education, living expenses, healthcare, and long-term security. Each trust reportedly includes not only cash assets but also properties, business shares, and investments. Trusted family lawyers and advisors have been assigned as trustees until the boys come of age.

“This is a mother’s love in action,” one close friend of the Aquino family shared. “Kris didn’t just divide her wealth—she structured it to protect her sons for the rest of their lives.”

No Inheritance for James Yap or Philip Salvador

The part of Kris’s will that has truly stunned the public, however, is her decision to leave nothing to her former romantic partners—both of whom are the fathers of her children.

James Yap, former PBA basketball star and the father of Kris’s younger son Bimby, has been formally excluded from the will. Despite years of media attention surrounding their rocky co-parenting relationship, the omission still shocked some fans who believed there had been recent signs of reconciliation.

Philip Salvador, veteran actor and the father of Kris’s eldest son Joshua, was likewise left without mention in the division of assets. While Salvador has had limited involvement in Joshua’s adult life, many still expected some token acknowledgment in the final will.

“This was not done out of bitterness,” an insider close to Kris explained. “It was done out of clarity. Kris wants her children to live free from the complications and shadows of the past. Her loyalty is to them, and only them.”

Behind the Conflict

In the days leading up to the public revelation, there were reports of heated private meetings and “tense” conversations among family members and those close to Kris. Sources revealed that some people attempted to dispute certain provisions of the will or influence the outcome, but Kris reportedly stood firm, citing years of emotional pain and struggles in justifying her decisions.

“She knew exactly what she was doing. She’s always been deliberate and emotionally intelligent when it comes to decisions involving her family,” said a former colleague from her ABS-CBN days.

Legal experts confirm that Kris’s will appears ironclad, having been drafted with multiple layers of legal counsel and signed in the presence of witnesses and notaries.

Public Reaction

Filipinos have responded with a mix of admiration, surprise, and debate. On social media, thousands weighed in—some praising Kris for her strength and clarity, others questioning the ethics of excluding her former partners, even as fathers to her children.

“People will always have opinions,” Kris posted on her Instagram shortly after the news broke. “But I did this with a heart full of love, not hate. My sons deserve peace, not more drama.”

What Comes Next

Now that the will has been formally filed and acknowledged, the process of asset transfer, trust execution, and property management will begin. Close friends say that Kris, despite her ongoing health battles, seems more at peace than ever before.

“She’s put her house in order,” one confidant shared. “Whatever happens next, her children are protected—and that’s all she ever wanted.”

As Kris Aquino continues to battle her illness with characteristic grace and honesty, her final wishes serve as both a bold personal statement and a reflection of the fierce maternal love that has defined much of her public and private life.