Puerto Rico News Digest For Nov. 13, 2014

NOT ENOUGH VOTES FOR OIL TAX HIKE

Legislation to increase Puerto Rico's tax on petroleum -- which
would hike the levy from $9.25 to $15.50 a barrel -- is languishing
in the lower chamber of the legislature, unable to garner enough
votes to pass, as reported this morning by El Nuevo Dia. The tax
increase is meant to take care of the Road and Transportation Authority's
dire financial situation. Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla met with
several legislators yesterday in an attempt to gain more votes for the
measure. He has stated that he wants to convene a special session of
the legislature if the bill doesn't pass today, which is the last day of
the regular legislative session for the year.

MARIHUANA BALLOT MEASURE PROPOSED

According to El Vocero, the President of Puerto Rico's Chamber
of Representatives, Jaime Perelló, believes that a bill proposing
lower penalties for those caught with small amounts of marihuana
will not have enough votes to pass into law, despite Governor
Alejandro Garcia Padilla's stated willingness to sign off on the
legislation. Perelló is proposing putting the question directly to
voters in the summer of 2015. Legislative opposition spans both
Popular Democratic Party and New Progressive Party members.
The proposed legislation would impose only fines for possession of
marihuana rather than jail time.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BRIBING COPS

From the San Juan Daily Star:

"A Puerto Rican man pleaded guilty to conspiring with  corrupt
police officers to rob a home in Bayamón on July, 2012, Assistant
Attorney General Leslie Caldwell of the  Justice Department’s
Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney  for the District of Puerto
Rico Rosa Emilia Rodríguez  announced Monday..."

OLIVE GARDEN BREAKS RECORDS IN PUERTO RICO

From News Is My Business:

"More than 150,000 people sat down for an Italian meal at  Puerto
Rico’s first Olive Garden restaurant during its first  three months of
operations, shattering world records for the  chain worldwide,
franchisee Restaurant Operators Inc. said Wednesday. In all, the
restaurant made $200,000 a week, with 11,000 patrons visiting the
Bayamón eatery in its first week alone..."

PR TAX COLLECTION REVENUES IMPROVE 

From Reuters:

"Puerto Rico's Treasury tax collections were a touch above estimates
in October, slightly narrowing the struggling U.S. commonwealth's
year-to-date tax collection gap, according to  a report from Puerto
Rico's Treasury on Wednesday..."