During the ABS-CBN franchise renewal hearing, Congressman Elpidio “Pidi” Frani Barzaga Jr. of the 4th district of Cavite was strongly criticized for using Wikipedia as a source.

At the hearing, he cited Wikipedia when he questioned Aldrin Cerrado, Chief Financial Officer of ABS-CBN.

“Nakalagay rito sa Wikipedia ‘On October 23, 2010, ABS-CBN Corporation officially announced that the integration of their UHF TV network operations as well as AMCARA Broadcasting Network has been completed and the two entities will merge into one under the name of Studio 23 Network and will operate under the business name of Studio 23, Inc.’”

The Chief Financial Officer of ABS-CBN, Aldrin Cerrado, immediately tagged the information as false.

“I think mali po siya, I would have to check the information if it’s in Wikipedia because we do not maintain the Wikipedia of ABS-CBN, those are probably contributed information by others.”

The video garnered huge reactions from the netizens, with some attacking the solon about his quote from Wikipedia during the ABS-CBN hearing.

Netizens were alarmed by the Congressman’s use of the source because the information on Wikipedia is contributed and not necessarily verified.

Rep. Barzaga literally asked ABS-CBN, “tama ba itong nakalagay sa Wikipedia?”

I MEAN, WE CAN’T EVEN CITE WIKIPEDIA IN SCHOOL BUT THEY’RE USING IT IN CONGRESS AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION???

— Pauline Gaerlan (@paulinethequeen) June 30, 2020

Maybe someone will show that congressman how reliable Wikipedia is by editing that article he is referring to by adding to it the text “Ang galeng galeng ni Barzaga”

— lene (@akoaysilene) July 1, 2020

Netizen @vfmnr was also astounded since it is basic knowledge that the website should not be used as a source, a fact that has been taught in educational institutions.

“Frosh pa lang, Wikipedia was already banned as a source for ANYTHING academic at the ADMU. More than 10 years na akong graduate It’s amazing how some people have the gall to go after ABS using unverified online sources. Nakakahiya ka, Barzaga!”

Frosh pa lang, Wikipedia was already banned as a source for ANYTHING academic at the ADMU. More than 10 years na akong graduate It’s amazing how some people have the gall to go after ABS using unverified online sources. Nakakahiya ka, Barzaga! https://t.co/clYl976ldR

— Val (@vfmnr) July 2, 2020

This occurred at the House hearing on the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN Corp., where Rep. Elpidio Barzaga (Cavite 4th District) claimed that the company was afraid of paying taxes.