The Special National Convention was called by the PTGWO Executive Board upon the untimely death of the former late National President Victorino F. Balais. The PTGWO family call the said convention in order to continue the unfinished term of the late national president and never let the business of the organization be hampered or impeded.

On February 20, 2014 at Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City, the PTGWO held its historic special national convention whereby the voice, opinion and decision of the workers was heard. About 500 national delegates, union president and officers, government officials, public and private sectors, leaders from other trade union federations, TUCP, NAGKAISA, SASK-Finland, and IndustriALL Global Union witness the democratic process of the PTGWO in electing national president.

The special national convention unanimously voted Atty. Arnel Z. Dolendo as the newly elected national president of the Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization (PTGWO). He will continue the term of the late national president until 2016 or until the organization will hold its 20^th National Convention.

During his acceptance speech, Atty. Arnel Z. Dolendo, the newly elected National President applauded his tremendous thankfulness to the delegates and sincerely posed the supports and commitments of all PTGWO local union affiliates until the end of his term on 2016.

He highlighted that, “the success of an organization is not on the style and charm of the leadership, it is basically on how the leadership respect and listen to the opinion of his members. The foundation of an organization cannot measure on the achievements obtain by the great leader but perhaps it should be on how the membership remember the process of freedom and democratic practices in the organization”.

He encouraged each union member to become part of all dialogues and decisions-making process in order to build a strong and vibrant future for the PTGWO.

The PTGWO decent work plan of action still recognized and nevertheless dedicated to all leaders who gave their life for the organization in the past 61 years of existence in labor movement in the Philippines.

VIBRANT—in attempt to continue to lead the workers as partner of capitalist in service and productivity in exchange of fair wage and benefits, despite worsening crises plaguing the world and humanity.

INDEPENDENT—from all influence of evils, greed and unfair undertakings; and 

CARING—understanding that the world and mankind is in worsening crises, that it should not only focus its capability and resources in protecting the right and interest of workers.