MANILA - Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay may not be running in next year's mayoral race but at least two of his "sons" will fight for the position he will be vacating.

Binay's son and namesake, Junjun, will run for Makati mayor next year after the older Binay decided to run for vice-president in 2010. Singer Rico J. Puno is Junjun's running mate for vice-mayor.

Binay's opponent will be the incumbent Vice-Mayor Ernesto Mercado who was recently allied with the Binays but has jumped ship and joined the Nacionalista Party of Sen. Manuel Villar.

The Makati mayor is a known supporter of Mercado since the start of his political career as city councilor. Reports earlier said Mercado was being groomed to be the running mate of Binay Jr. until his defection. Laywer Chito Salud has been identified as the NP's bet for vice-mayor of Makati.

Another contender for Makati's mayoralty is Erwin Genuino, son of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation chairman Efraim Genuino. His running mate is actress Jobelle Salvador.

Another blow to the Binay camp is the defection of former allies, the Locsins. Louie Locsin, wife of Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr., is vying for the 1st congressional seat of Makati as guest candidate of the NP. Other candidates for the position are Councilor Monique Lagdameo and Robert Dean Barbers.