Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa is on sick leave following a knee replacement surgery, Health Undersecretary Albert Domingo said.

Domingo, the DOH spokesperson, said on Saturday that Herbosa began his sick leave on 6 July.

He said the procedure was successful and that the health secretary is now undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation.

In a Facebook post, Herbosa shared a photo of himself wearing a shirt bearing the words, "New knee, new me."

While Herbosa is on leave, Domingo is serving as officer in charge of the department.

"Designating the chief of staff as officer in charge is routine," Domingo said.

"It is neither a secret nor something controversial. This is the second or third time I've been OIC. It happens across all departments when the secretary is temporarily unavailable, and ends upon his return," he added.

Domingo, however, did not disclose when Herbosa is expected to resume his duties.