4/20/2021 E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly The employer bears the burden to prove that the quitclaim is a reasonable settlement of the employee's benefits, and that it was executed voluntarily, fully understanding its import.[120] When the waiver was executed by an unsuspecting or gullible person, or when the terms of settlement was unconscionable, courts strike down the waiver for being invalid. Thus, when the consideration for the settlement was low and inequitable, a quitclaim will not bar recovery of the full measure of the worker's benefits and rights, and the acceptance of benefits will not amount to estoppel.[121] In Principe v. Philippine-Singapore Transport Services, Inc.:[122] Even assuming for the sake of argument that the quitclaim had foreclosed petitioner's right over the death benefits of her husband, the fact that the consideration given in exchange thereof was very much less than the amount petitioner is claiming renders the quitclaim null and void for being contrary to public policy. The State must be firm in affording protection to labor. The quitclaim wherein the consideration is scandalously low and inequitable cannot be an obstacle to petitioner's pursuing her legitimate claim. Equity dictates that the compromise agreement should be voided in this instance.[123] Here, the quitclaim signed by Castillon cannot be regarded as valid and binding. First and foremost, the consideration for the settlement of Castillon's claim is less than what he is legally entitled to. The amount of US$20,000.00 given by the respondents is hardly sufficient considering that the petitioners are legally entitled to a total amount of US$65,000.00. Moreover, based on the circumstances of this case, it cannot be said that Castillon signed the quitclaim voluntarily. At the time he was asked to execute the document, Castillon had already progressed to stage 4 colon cancer, and was desperate to obtain financial assistance for his chemotherapy. For Castillon, time was already running out and the amount of US$20,000.00 gave him hope. He was not in a position to bargain with respondents. While a quitclaim has the effect and authority of res judicata upon the parties,[124] a quitclaim may be rendered null and void when found contrary to public policy.[125] Thus, respondents cannot cite res judicata to bar petitioners from claiming the full value of the benefits. Being an action for employer's liability, attorney's fees must likewise be awarded to petitioners.[126] Finally, social justice is very much a part of our every decision in labor cases. Our seafarers gamble their lives to work for a shipping company that will direct their ships to where they can efficiently gain profits for their owners and shareholders. They are aware that on board are human souls within human bodies who have to live for weeks or months under the conditions they provide. While at sea, the seafarers do not have https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/66406 17/35