After returning from Spain where he also obtained a national coaching license, Cutillas was appointed as the head coach of the Philippine national team in late 1967 succeeding Emilio Pacheco. Among his results with the national team on his first stint was 2-1 win over American club Dallas Tornado at home in 1968 with practically the same squad that played in the 0–15 record lost to Japan in the Asian Olympic qualifiers. He also coached the Philippine team that participated at the 1968 AFC Youth Championship. The Philippines reached the quarterfinals, its best finish in the tournament. Florentino Broce took over as head coach of the national team from 1993 until 1994. The national team's poor performance at the 1974 Asian Games caused the Philippine Football Association to reappoint Cutillas. Cutillas coached until 1978.