Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• After backlash, House leaders spare GSIS, SSS from Maharlika fund

The controversial bill seeking to establish the Maharlika wealth fund will no longer source funding from the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System.

• ‘Lapid Fire’ returns: Roy Mabasa takes over as host of Percy Lapid’s show

Veteran journalist Roy Mabasa, younger brother of slain broadcaster Percy Lapid, is the new host of radio program ‘Lapid Fire.’ 

• Google’s top trending topics of 2022 in PH: Halalan, Wordle, All Of Us Are Dead

Google reveals the top topics Filipinos searched for in 2022. The Philippine National elections or Halalan 2022 tops Google’s overall top trending searches.

• Ukraine’s Zelenskiy named Time’s 2022 ‘Person of the Year’

Time magazine names Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy 2022’s ‘Person of the Year,’  for inspiring Ukrainians and winning global accolades for his courage in resisting Russia’s devastating invasion. 

• Indonesia releases on parole Bali bomb maker Umar Patek

Indonesia released on parole Umar Patek, a bomb maker in the deadly 2002 Bali attacks on Wednesday, December 7.

• Uh-oh: Viral ‘Wednesday’ dance scene filmed while Jenna Ortega had COVID-19

Actress Jenna Ortega is the talk of the town for starring in the Netflix series Wednesday, as the titular eldest daughter of the Addams family.

• Hidilyn Diaz captures elusive world title, completes golden sweep

Hidilyn Diaz completes her collection of gold medals as she breaks through in the World Weightlifting Championships. — Rappler.com