Artists of the PH's Statement on Patrons of the Arts
We are writing this statement on behalf of the artists who have been affected by Patrons of the Arts' egregious mishandling of funds and poor management. The actions of these people, Joshua Raymundo Malit, Jonelle Isabel Malit, Galilee Joyce C. Tan, have caused financial damages, and emotional distress to the Art Community of the Philippines.
Patrons of the Arts owes Php 2,447,040 (~USD 39, 656) worth of money to artists
As of May 29, 2026
Who is Patrons of the Arts?
Patrons of the Arts, abbreviated as PotA, is listed as a for-profit organization. Founded by Joshua Raymundo Malit and Jonelle Isabel Malit, and joined by Galilee Joyce C. Tan, these three are the core members of PotA. They established its first event “Patrons of the Arts QC 2023” held on July 8-9, 2023 at The Elements at Centris, Eton Centris, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila with the intent of providing opportunities to Filipino artists of all mediums in the scope of illustration and crafts. Since their debut, hundreds of artists nationwide have joined their events as a way to profit and network within the community.
What happened?
On April 30th 2026, Artists participating in PotA Baguio Summer 2026 were shocked to find the event venue promoting an entirely different event. This different event would fall on the same dates as PotA Baguio Summer 2026, May 16-17. The PotA team then emailed the affected artists, promising a resolution by May 5, 2026. The team then confirmed the two-day event will become a one-day event, held on May 17, 2026 at Newtown Plaza Hotel. Dismayed by this turn of events, artists demanded transparency from the organizers as to how this could’ve happened.Due to the lack of initial response from the PotA team, artists reached out to the venue to understand why an error like this occurred. The venue then stated that the PotA team did not book the venue at all. The PotA team admitted that there was no written contract or even paper trail in place to protect the event organizers from this.At the same time, many artists expressed disappointment with how their PotA Cebu Summer 2026 event, held last May 9-10, was organized. For their past PotA Cebu events, artists have already given feedback regarding poor event floorplan, yet said feedback was ignored and the team even denied obtaining such feedback. One artist, Papilit, spoke up about their poor experience with the team. PotA approached Papilit to offer collaboration in exchange for obtaining a spot at the event. Papilit sent their proposal in January 2026, a deadline PotA set, but received no reply for 3 months. After 3 months of silence, Papilit was shocked to see that they suddenly had a spot in the event. But not once did PotA send information regarding the collaboration, the table placement in the event, or any orientation. No Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was also given. PotA admitted that they did receive the proposal via email but forgot to reply.With these recent concerns coming to light, artists have begun to question PotA’s management. To make matters worse, one of PotA’s partners, DayJobÜ announced the dissolution of their partnership on May 16, 2026.Artists’ anxiety over the success of future events worsened. On May 21, 2026 PotA themselves made matters worse by suddenly announcing the cancellation of their PotA Legazpi Summer 2026 event, which would’ve taken place that weekend on May 23-24, 2026. With the suddenness of the announcement and no explanation as to why, some attendees arrived at the venue shocked to find no event happening.On May 23, 2026, PotA locked their feedback channel. On midnight of May 25, 2026, PoTA released a public statement stating that their founder, Josh, will be stepping down, and that co-founder Isabel will take over. She also stated that upcoming events; PotA Clark Summer 2026 - an event happening on May 30-31 2026, PotA Originals, and PotA Tiny Hands, will be cancelled. Events happening later in the year such as Magic Mystics, Potaween, and PotA Lust, will be transferred to new management. No details as to who the new management is have been revealed. There are also no details as to how the transfer will happen, considering artists have already paid for their slot at these events.To make everything worse, on midnight of May 26, 2026, Isabel announced that PotA Clark Summer 2026 will push through on May 30-31 2026, causing severe confusion to both participating artists and attendees.As of May 27, 2026, there have been no plans to address refunds for their future events. There is no timeline for the refunds they promised the artists of the cancelled events.
Documented Compilation of Events
The attached documents contains proof of Patrons of the Arts' actions this past month and in previous years. The purpose of the document is:
• To avoid the spread of misinformation
• To provide a centralized source about the events which transpired
• To act as a cautionary tale to anyone wishing to work with Patrons in the Arts in the future, including their founders
How can YOU help?
Below is a masterlist of artists, including their commission information, catalogue, and individual donation channels.Many artists nationwide are affected by Patrons of the Arts' mishandling of funds. Even if PotA returns their table fees, this doesn't cover what they spent for merchandise production, transport, lodging, and the time and effort to create artwork. Filing legal action is also costly, especially in the Philippines.Your support will go a long way to these artists who have done nothing but wish to share their art with us.
How to file for action
You are entitled to report to the authorities the PotA core team on the payment fees you are requested to refund.
Given the severity of the issue, filing multiple reports would ensure the three individuals in this narrative report will be held accountable for the severe mismanagement of funds and their inability to deliver promised services.
How to send a formal demand letter
Why send a formal demand letter? The demand letter is the first step in claiming the refund for the table fees. This demand letter also sets a clear deadline, and can strengthen future cases. With this demand letter, you can show evidence that you have done your due diligence in following up the refund.
How to send it:
1. Through email
2. Messenger / Official page (keep a screenshot as proof that the demand letter was forwarded)
3. Registered mail (LBC, Philpost)
Below is an unofficial template for a demand letter. Make a copy of it as needed.
How to File a Police Blotter
What is the blotter for?
This can be an attachment for the demand letter, support the prosecutor’s complaint in case this pushes forward into litigation (legal action), or if escalated, a cybercrime or estafa case.
For filing a police blotter, make sure you are reporting to the nearest police station on where the event was supposed to be held.
1. Where to file
Head to the nearest PNP Station where:
• Organizer Operates (QC or Cavite) or
• Location of the Event that was supposed to be held (refer to the list below)
PotA Baguio
• Station: BCPO Police Station 5 (Legarda)
• Address: Legarda Road, Baguio City, Benguet (near the BGH rotunda and the UP College Baguio area)
• Contact Numbers: +63 74 442 0629 or Mobile +63 998 598 7750PotA Legazpi
• Station: Legazpi City Police Station
• Address: Benny F. Imperrial St. Brgy. 37, Bitano, Legazpi City, Legazpi, Philippines, 4501
• Contact Numbers: 09985985926 / 09266256247PotA Clark
• Station: CDC Public Safety Department (Main Law Enforcement / Security)
• Address: C.P. Romulo St., Clark Corporate Offices, Clark Freeport Zone (Near the main parade grounds, a short 3-5 minute drive from SMX Clark).
• Contact Numbers: (045) 599-2070 or (045) 599-3211.PotA Originals
• Station: Ayala Police Sub-Station (Sub-Station 5)
• Address: Ground Floor, Park Square 1, Ayala Center, Makati City
• Distance/Time: Approx. 300 to 500 meters away; an easy 5 to 7-minute walk via the elevated walkways from One Ayala.PotA Tiny Hands (and other PotA events held in Centris Elements)
• Station: Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Police Station 10 (Kamuning)
• Address: Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Landline: 8924-1025 Tel. No. 8924-1025 Smart No. 0998-598760
2. What to bring
• Valid ID
• Printed Summary of Events (If you have submitted a response here, feel free to print out your response, the format is valid as an attachment.)
Organizers name, page, and contact details.
Core Team:
Joshua Raymundo Malit
Jonelle Isabel Malit
Galilee Joyce C. Tan
3. What to say:
Keep it simple and factual, avoid emotional language:e.g “I would like to file a police blotter regarding an event organizer who collected fees for multiple artist market events that were canceled or mishandled with no refunds issued and no clear timeline despite repeated follow-ups”
4. What happens?
• The desk officer records your statements
• You sign the blotter entry
• You ask for the blotter reference number, and a copy/picture of the blotter page
How to File a DTI Complaint
1. Prepare your documents:
Proof of transaction:
• Receipt, screenshots of conversations, email confirmation. If Blotter has been filed, it can be an attachment here as well
2. Prepare a scanned copy or photo of any government issued ID.
3. Write a written letter or initial complaint form detailing the names of both parties, a chronological narration of facts and your specific demands.
(If you have submitted a response here, feel free to print out your response, the format is valid as an attachment.)
Organizers name, page, and contact details.
Core Team:
Joshua Raymundo Malit
Jonelle Isabel Malit
Galilee Joyce C. Tan
Choose how to file:
DTI has 3 methods of accepting a former complaint against a company. Online Portal, email, and walk-in.
1. Access the self-service portal via the DTI Consumer CARe System
2. Send your complaint details and attached documents to [email protected]. If your complaint is specifically against an online seller, email the Fair-Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) at [email protected] and CC [email protected].
3. Visit the nearest DTI Regional or Provincial Office or head directly to the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB).
Once Complaint is received, DTI will schedule a mediation between you and PotA to find an amicable settlement. If DTI has not yet given a response within the 2 week window, feel free to follow up through their email.
How to File a Complaint to NBI
To file a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding PotA, you can visit their office, send an email, or call their divisions.
1. Prepare your documents:
Before reaching out to NBI, gather all supporting documents, and evidence related to your complaint such as:
• Screenshots of conversation or messages. (This may include their statements in discord)
• Transaction receipts, e-banking transaction records (Gcash, Maya, Gotyme/CC etc)
• Valid government-issued ID’s
• Detailed narrative of the incident.
Write a written letter or initial complaint detailing the names of both parties, a chronological narration of facts and your specific demands.
(If you have submitted a response here, feel free to print out your response, the format is valid as an attachment.)
Organizers name, page, and contact details.
Core Team:
Joshua Raymundo Malit
Jonelle Isabel Malit
Galilee Joyce C. Tan
Option 1: File your complaint In-person
(recommended for Complex Cases–PotA Qualifies as a complex case as there are over 300 artists affected by the incident.)
Location: Complaint and Recording Division (CRD) or the specific operating division (e.g., Cyber Crime Division, Anti-Fraud and Action Division), NBI Building, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila.What to bring: Bring printed copies of your evidence and at least two valid IDs.
Option 2: Report online or via Email
Send the details of your complaint and evidence to the CRD at [email protected] or the NBI Cybercrime Division at [email protected]
Option 3: Main Hotline
(02) 8523-8231 to 38 (Locals: 3518 for CRD, 3455 for Cybercrime)
As most of the transactions PotA has done are online, it is better to report it to the Cybercrime division.
Note: Complaints to NBI take time as their investigation teams are thorough. This method will take the most time.