MANILA, Philippines?Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay on Wednesday welcomed the petition asking the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to look into the "infomercials" of perceived presidential aspirants.

Binay, who has expressed his aspirations for the presidency in 2010, was among those cited by a partylist group as having come up with an infomercial way ahead of the campaign period to boost their stock in popularity surveys.

But the Makati City mayor defended his ad, saying "These infomercials celebrate Makati and the benefits received by its residents. These are benefits that they deserve as residents of the country's financial center and premier city."

"We have always been communicating the benefits of being a Makati resident since we began celebrating our founding anniversary with the private sector seven years ago," Binay said.

Two groups have asked the Comelec to stop the airing of "infomercials" of Binay, Senator Mar Roxas and Senator Manny Villar Jr.

But Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the poll body maintained that a person could not be charged with premature campaigning until the filing of a certificate of candidacy.