Neophyte lawmakers do not feel intimidated amid the overpowering presence of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now a congresswoman representing the second district of Pampanga, and former First Lady Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos in the “star-studded” 15th Congress.

To showbiz celebrity-turnedlawmakers, including Cavite Rep. Lanie Mercado-Revilla, and Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez, it was a “learning” experience to be part of the Lower Chamber under the new administration of “well-loved” President Aquino.

The two were among the 111 neophyte lawmakers who attended the orientation at the Plenary Session of the House of Representatives, along with Arroyo and Marcos.

“We have a lot to learn. We are all on equal footing in the House. Although the respect for those in the higher positions before will always be there,” said Mercado Revilla, whose husband is a re-elected senator.

“I told Madam President that I will ask tips from her, because she is experienced in terms of legislation. She was even a colleague of my father-inlaw in the Senate,” she said.

The lady solon also cited the importance of befriending fellow colleagues in pushing for her bills. She already filed four bills, including the cityhood of Bacoor, conversion of the municipality hospital into district hospital, creation of Molino High School, and opening of a high school program.

“You try to have a lot of friends in terms of lobbying for your bills,” she said. “If I would be part of the oversight or major bills, I would be happy to do so for the benefit of my constituents,” she said.

For his part, Torres-Gomez said she is “enjoying the ride” as among the new lawmakers who attended the orientation on legislative process.

“I choose to be inspired by the people. This is no contest. I feel like I’m in school, we are given marching orders to perform. When I was elected, I said, I will serve my people and the district I represent honestly, faithfully, and sincerely even if I’m not as prepared as I hope to be,” she said.

The lady lawmaker, who acted as substitute following his husband’s disqualification to run as representative in her hometown, said she is “hopeful and positive” that the image of the new Congress would not be tarnished and all of its members would really work hard to attend to most pressing concerns of their constituents.

Calling the 15th Congress as a “pleasant group,” she said: “I think in the recent years, the Congress has had negative image. You can’t make general statement about everybody in Congress.”

“A lot of the representatives are very helpful and I think we are looking forward to working really well and learning from each other and inspiring each other so that we can deliver to our respective districts,” she said.