Nora Aunor allowed to leave LA drug court for new program

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nora Aunor, one of the country’s most popular film and music stars, has left Los Angeles county’s drug court treatment program and will enroll in a different program that allows her to travel for concerts, officials said.

"The woman was in full compliance" during her time in drug court, said Aunor’s attorney, Claire Espina. "She tested clean every time."

Aunor, 53, was arrested March 30 at Los Angeles International Airport after security screeners allegedly found eight grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe in her carry-on bag.

She was accepted into the county’s drug court program in December, at which time criminal proceedings against her were suspended.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Bernard Kamins on Thursday granted a motion by Aunor’s attorney to let her leave drug court. He scheduled a March 29 hearing before another judge so she can enter a drug diversion program.

Criminal charges against Aunor will be dismissed if she successfully completes that program, according to the district attorney’s office.

Aunor, whose real name is Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, has upcoming concerts in San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Ohio, and also must travel to meet the requirements of her visa, Espina said.

Aunor retains her Philippine citizenship, but has spent much of her time in recent years at her home in Linda Vista, several miles north of San Diego.

Known as "The Superstar" to her fans, she has appeared in more than 170 films and recorded more than two dozen albums, including scores of hit singles.

On screen, she has starred with leading men of her time, including Joseph Estrada, who became the country’s president.