MANILA - Seventeen years after she stepped down from office, former President Corazon Aquino continues to enjoy the trust of the majority of Filipinos, a recent survey of independent research firm Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.

According to SWS' February 20-23, 2009 survery, 3 out of every 5 adult Filipinos have much trust in former president Aquino compared to only 21% who said they have little trust in Aquino. She currently enjoys a net trust rating of +38.

SWS said Aquino's trust rating has been very positive ranging from moderate +14 to very good +50 from September 1989 to September 2000. She received her highest rating of +51 in March 2008.

The research firm said Aquino’s net trust rating is highest among the upper-middle class ABC, at good +49 (62% much trust, 13% little trust), followed by class D or the masa, at good +38 (60% much trust, 21% little trust, correctly rounded), and class E, at good +35 (59% much trust, 24% little trust).

She also enjoys the highest trust rating in Mindanao at good net +49 (68% much trust, 19% little trust), followed by the Visayas, at good +37 (62% much trust, 25% little trust), Balance Luzon, at good +34 (55% much trust, 21% little trust), and Metro Manila, at good +34 (55% much trust, 21% little trust).

Public trust in former President Aquino is higher among women, at good net +43 (62% much trust, 19% little trust), compared to men, at good +33 (57% much trust, 24% little trust).

Aquino rose to the presidency in 1986 after the EDSA People Power revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship. She stepped down after her term in 1992 but remained a popular figure in Philippine politics.

Aquino's health has deteriorated recently after being diagnosed with colon cancer.