Stephen Ip, secretary for economic development and labor, told reporters: "Don’t forget our employers, they do have options. They can consider employing local domestic helpers.
"They can consider domestic helpers not only from the Philippines, but from other parts of the world."
However, Ip said he listened carefully to Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, who met him Thursday.
"Certainly we will consider her views together with the views expressed by our political parties, trade unions and the community in conducting the review," Ip said.
"Any decision will be in the best interest of Hong Kong," he said.
The remarks came after Sto. Tomas told reporters after meeting Ip that Manila may not approve future contracts that fell below the current minimum wage of 3,670 Hong Kong dollars (471 US).
"We might not decide to approve contracts below the minimum wage," Sto. Tomas said, if the Hong Kong government imposed a 500 Hong Kong dollar (64 US) monthly tax on foreign maids.
Sto. Tomas expressed hope the Hong Kong authorities would not introduce the new tax on domestic helpers.
She said Ip had sounded "sympathetic" during their meeting, adding she was "optimistic it will be dropped."
Sto. Tomas also handed over a letter from President Arroyo to Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa.
Mrs. Arroyo said in the letter: "The burden of an economy that is not growing should not be brought to bear on the lowest paid workers who work the longest hours."