There is corrupt and there is corrupt. But that does not necessarily mean that fighting spirit is low. South Korea in its time was vastly more corrupt, what we know today as the Chaebol are simply institutionalized corruption from long ago.
The Filipinos absolutely will fight. The armed forces are professional and the troops are notably self-sacrificing, as seen in the siege of Marawi - Falluja x 5. The macho is strong there.
I was admiring the old Hamilton class cutters the other day, and I saw that at least three of them went to the Philippine Navy...just beautiful ships, they are now haze gray, but the gorgeous lines just show their heritage right through.
But in seeing that, I saw they sure do have some nice looking modern frigates built in South Korea.
Very nice looking vessels! Likely capable, too.