We base our conclusion not on Article 1144 of the Civil Code but on Article 291 of the Labor Code, which sets the prescription period at three (3) years and which governs under this jurisdiction. Petitioner claims that the running of the prescriptive period was tolled when he filed his complaint for illegal dismissal before the Labor Arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission. However, this claim deserves scant consideration; it has no legal leg to stand on. In Olympia International, Inc. vs. Court of Appeals, we held that "although the commencement of a civil action stops the running of the statute of prescription or limitations, its dismissal or voluntary abandonment by plaintiff leaves the parties in exactly the same position as though no action had been commenced at all."12[12] Now, as to whether petitioner's separation from the company due to retrenchment was valid, the appellate court found that the employment contract of petitioner allowed for pre-termination of employment. We agree with the Court of Appeals when it said, Sdjad "It is a settled rule that contracts have the force of law between the parties. From the moment the same is perfected, the parties are bound not only to the fulfillment of what has been expressly stipulated but also to all consequences which, according to their nature, may be in keeping with good faith, usage and law. Thus, when plaintiff-appellee accepted the offer of employment, he was bound by the terms and conditions set forth in the contract, among others, the right of mutual termination by giving three months written notice or by payment of three months salary. Such provision is clear and readily understandable, hence, there is no room for interpretation." xxx Further, plaintiff-appellee's contention that he is not bound by the provisions of the Agreement, as he is not a signatory thereto, deserves no merit. It must be noted that when plaintiff-appellee's employment was confirmed, he applied for membership with the Singapore Airlines Limited (Pilots) Association, the signatory to the aforementioned Agreement. As such, plaintiff-appellee is estopped from questioning the legality of the said agreement or any proviso contained therein."13[13] Moreover, the records of the present case clearly show that respondent court's decision is amply supported by evidence and it did not err in its findings, including the reason for the retrenchment: 12[12] 180 SCRA 353, 363 (1989). 13[13] Rollo, pp. 35-36.