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MANILA - Sen. Francis Escudero on Wednesday said the deployment ban to Kuwait ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte should stay until the Gulf state repeals or amends its "kafala" or sponsorship system, which leaves workers vulnerable to abuse.

Speaking to ANC, Escudero said the kafala system was originally designed to have Kuwait natives take care and sponsor foreign workers.

However, he said the system has become a method where the government relegated the regulation and supervision of workers to the civilians "by giving them certain powers and prerogatives over the workers."

"I hope this permanent ban of President Duterte will be enforced because if it is not, like in the past, mas malala ang magiging kalagayan ng mga trabahador natin na susubok sa ibang bansa para makapasok sa Kuwait," he said, adding that the kafala system should be removed.

Escudero asked the Department of Foreign Affairs and its ambassadors to "actively push" for the repeal of the system in the Gulf states.

• 'Kafala' system for Middle East OFWs must stop: official

Duterte first declared a ban on new overseas workers' deployment after the death of Joanna Demafelis, a household service worker found dead in a freezer. On Sunday, he said the ban "stays permanently" as he appealed for the 200,000 workers in Kuwait to come home.

• Duterte: Kuwait deployment ban ‘stays permanently’

• Duterte pleads to OFWs in Kuwait: 'Come home'

The two countries have been ironing out a memorandum of understanding on the protection of OFWs, which Duterte sought as a condition to end the deployment ban.

However, they figured in a diplomatic row after a video showing the rescue of distressed Filipino domestic workers from their employers' homes in the Gulf state surfaced and went viral online.

Kuwait has expelled Ambassador Renato Villa and recalled its own envoy in Manila.

• Kuwait expels Philippine envoy amid tensions over domestic workers

Duterte said he takes full responsibility for the incident, as it is his duty as head of state to protect Filipinos working abroad.

• Philippines apologizes to Kuwait over OFW rescue

• Duterte eyes ‘soft landing’ on row with Kuwait

Escudero said he agrees with "spirit" of the rescue mission after the Kuwaitis' years of abuse and "considering our nationals as slaves."

"I want to see the Philippine government going out of its way, even putting their own life and careers at risk in protecting, defending and fighting for the rights of the Filipinos. Ang gandang makita na pinaglalaban ng Pinoy yung kapwa niya Pinoy sa ibang bansa," he said.