Posted by ReyFort Media
Christopher de Leon is choosing not to take sides in the ongoing situation between his children, Lotlot and Ian de Leon, over matters involving the legacy of their late mother, Nora Aunor.
The veteran actor addressed the siblings’ dispute for the first time during an interview with Ogie Diaz on his YouTube vlog on September 18.
“Nakausap ko na silang dalawa [nang] hiwalay…not the same day. At ayokong makialam because ang pinag-aawayan nila is the mom, the mother,” Christopher said, referring to Nora.
“Ang pinag-aawayan is a sort of a foundation na involves funding. ‘Pag ganyan, ayoko nang makialam… For example, during the wake, the burial [of Nora], I was just quiet. I was just there. Hindi ako nakialam,” he added.
The family dispute centers on the one-person corporation established by Ian, Nora’s only biological son with Christopher.
Ian previously said he had informed his adoptive siblings —Lotlot, Matet, Kenneth, and Kiko— about the corporation. Lotlot, however, strongly denied those claims and pushed back against accusations that she, along with other adoptive siblings, were after their mother’s estate.
While Christopher has spoken with both sides privately, he said he does not see the need to publicly weigh in on their disagreement.
“Nandito na ako sa stage ng buhay ko na…bakit ako tatalak? Bakit ako magsasalita ng mga bagay na ipaaalam ko sa lahat? Kung meron akong gustong sabihin, sasabihin ko kay Lotlot nang diretso, sasabihin ko kay Ian nang diretso na,” he said, maintaining that both Lotlot and Ian are adults who can handle their own concerns.
Despite the conflict, he remains hopeful that their relationship will eventually be restored.
“Definitely, one day, magkakaayos ‘yan. Hindi naman pwedeng hindi, at hindi ko rin naman papayagan na hindi magkaayos,” Christopher said. “By the grace of God, [sana] magkaroon ng reconciliation ‘yung dalawa. Kasi masyadong mainit ngayon, eh. Kasi ‘pag pumasok ka doon sa heat ng gulo, lalong gugulo eh.”
The veteran actor also stressed that speaking publicly about the dispute could lead to his words being misunderstood, which is why he prefers to communicate directly with his children.
At the same time, he admitted that he is saddened by how Lotlot and Ian’s relationship has changed, especially since he remembers how close they were growing up.
“Yan ang pinagtataka ko nga eh. Doon ako nagugulat, [kung] bakit biglang nag-iba ‘yung ihip ng hangin after the death of their mother,” he said.
Despite not taking sides, Christopher said he continues to make efforts to help ease the tension between his children.
“‘Yan ang pinakaayaw natin siguro… Marami sigurong nag-aaway tungkol sa mga naiwan, inheritance or whatever… But kung ano man ‘yon, bakit niyo pag-aawayan ‘yung ganoon, ‘di ba? They have their own reasons why they’re acting like that. So hindi mo mapapakialaman yon,” he said.
“Hindi ako sumuko. Hanggang ngayon kausap ko pa rin [sila]. Mayroon nga akong ginagawang mga hakbang para mag-ease up,” he noted, adding that he remains in touch with all his children and continues to privately share posts expressing “his love for them.”
“Walang sablay ‘yun…basta’t tuloy ‘yung relationship namin.”
The actor also admitted that he was surprised to see the once-close siblings reach this point and that their conflict eventually became public. Still, he remains confident that their family can move past the current situation.
“Nagulat talaga ako but I am not worried. It will happen naman eh. Hopefully, maayos. The sooner, the better,” said Christopher.
During the interview, Christopher also said that he has never had an issue with his adoptive children using his surname, emphasizing that what matters to him is the relationship they share as a family.
“Hindi issue sa akin ‘yun…They call me dad. Ang sarap pakinggan,” he maintained. “Pagmamahal ‘yan eh. Minamahal nila ako.” (A. De Guzman/Push Team)
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