I remember when the current admin was duped by the SOKORs in the contract with regards to the stipulations of the combat management system. If they can be easily duped by a nation not really known for committing such acts, what more with a nation known for such tactics; such as China.
I don't think they were duped,since if you read the Philippine Navy requirements of the first frigates,on paper it would be armed to the teeth and the Thales,would be up par with NATO specs,but somehow the budget is not enough,to cover the requirement.After the Bongogago team probably took a percentage,its left with enough to build a frigate so small,that now it would be reclassified as a Corvette.Then the Corvette bigger than the JRC Frigate and would be armed better,but the Koreans downgraded the engines,it can only run at top speed of 20+knots and an endurance less than 30 days.If that Corvette supposed to protect the upcoming LPDs,it will be slow to evade subs and torpedos.You know something is up when they said no to a technology transfer and building the ship in the Philippines using Pinoy manpower for the 6 OPVs.