MANILA, Philippines ? Presidential bets agreed to find a balance between environmental protection and development, citing the need for growth and the protection of the indigenous peoples.

Candidates Nicanor Perlas and Senator Richard Gordon gave the same answer to different questions raised during the Philippine Daily Inquirer 1st Edition presidential debate Monday.

When asked how he would balance protecting the indigenous peoples and mining development, Perlas said he believed that the conflict was "artificial."

"We have to find a way to bring them to a process to bring development in the area...while respecting culture," Perlas added.

Meanwhile, when asked how he could bring the developments he made to Subic to the national level while at the same time protect the environment, Gordon said, "We have to balance providing jobs and protecting the environment."