This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2013-06-26 |
PERLAS-BERNABE, J. |
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| The foregoing facts, coupled with Joselito's failing health, negate his voluntariness in executing his complaints, motions to dismiss, and release documents and give life to the truism that "necessitous men are not, truly speaking, free men; but to answer a present emergency, will submit to any terms that the crafty may impose upon them."[55] Besides, as a rule, quitclaims, waivers, or releases are looked upon with disfavor and are largely ineffective to bar recovery of the full measure of a worker's rights, and the acceptance of benefits therefrom does not amount to estoppel.[56] This is especially true in this case where instead of promoting the orderly settlement of disputes; petitioners' acts encouraged the circumvention of the proper legal procedures and the evasion of the payment of legitimate claims to a seafarer succumbing to a life-threatening disease. Therefore the settlements that Joselito entered into must be struck down for being contrary to public policy. | |||||