Because some people can’t stop their Pokemon GO mission…even for a court case.
Judge Yvonne Cabaron Artiaga — a judge in Cebu City, the second most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines after Metro Manila — officially banned Pokemon GO from the court she presided over after she caught someone playing the game while a case was being heard.
Artiaga has reportedly observed a witness’ companion intently looking at his phone and then smacking it. She was sure the man had spotted a virtual creature in the room.
“From then on, Artiaga said she would charge anyone caught playing the popular mobile game in her court with contempt, as she said it disrupts proceedings,” reports ABS-CBN News.
Artiaga herself wrote the sign that is now posted on the courtroom door. The signs reads: “Under pain of contempt, Pokemon catching inside the court is strictly prohibited. Justice may be blind but it can see Pokemon catchers. Violators will face fine and imprisonment.
Artiaga likewise posted another anti-Pokemon GO sign outside her office door. It reads, “Lawyers & Litigants: There is no Pokemon in my chamber. I will use to the full extent of my contempt power for any Pokemon related disturbance. Knock at your own risk.”
In the Philippines, those found guilty of contempt of the high court, however, may pay a fine not exceeding PHP2,000 (around US$42) or they may be jailed for a maximum of 10 days. They may also be subjected to both a fine and jail time.
