MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte wants the revival of mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) hoping to inspire discipline and love of country among the youth.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said "a platform is designed" with opposition and safeguards against abuses being considered.

The revival of ROTC was among the matters discussed during Monday's Cabinet meeting.

"One of the interesting things that was taken up is the possible revival of the ROTC. And it's interesting what was mentioned especially the President's comment regarding ROTC. How it's going to help in the building up of discipline and values especially in this generation and how we expect ROTC to be able to help build a sense of patriotism among the next generation," Abella said.

"Kasama sa prosesong pinag-uusapan. Kumbaga, narinig na rin kung bakit may mga --- may opposition tungkol sa pag-i-impose muli ng ROTC so kasama sa pag-uusap iyan. But definitely ang emphasis ng Presidente is how ROTC is a --- basically is a platform for helping build a sense of patriotism into the people --- into the next generation specifically," he added.

The ROTC was made optional in 2002 following the controversy that resulted in the death of Mark Chua, a University of Sto. Tomas student. He was allegedly slain by course officers after exposing fund mismanagement.

An Army official earlier said the country's reserve force drastically went down when the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Law was passed in 2001.

Should ROTC be made mandatory again?