MANILA, Philippines -- Two leftist lawmakers said on Thursday they will seek a congressional probe into the why a retired police general was caught by Russian customs with a “scandalously large amount” of undeclared cash.

Deputy minority leader Satur Ocampo and Representative Teodoro Casino, both of Bayan Muna (People First) party list, said they would file a resolution next week for the appropriate committee to look into the holding of retired police director Eliseo dela Paz, who is still in Moscow.

"I am inclined to initiate a congressional inquiry into the holding of PNP [Philippine National Police] officials in Russia due to the extraordinary large cash hoard," Casino said in a text message.

In a separate telephone interview, Ocampo said the money in the possession of De la Paz when he was questioned by Russian customs agents was "scandalously large" considering that he was on his way back to Manila.

Dela Paz and his wife were about to depart from Moscow airport for Warsaw, Poland when they were detained and questioned by Russian customs officials after some P6.9 million worth of euros was found of them Saturday.

The PNP said the money was meant for the expenses of a top-level police delegation to the 77th Interpol Assembly in St. Petersburg.

Casiño said the incident raises questions about the spending habits of the PNP, especially "at this time of economic hardship."

"Exactly how much was the generals' baon [pocket money]? Is this common practice? Was the amount discovered a kotong or commission for some contract?" he asked.

"At this time of economic hardship, the incident was a shameless abuse of taxpayers’ money. [The] DILG [Department of Interior and Local Government] and PNP have a lot of explaining to do," Casiño said.

Ocampo said there should be a "standard level of expenditure" among public officials, including those of the PNP. He said the hierarchy of the PNP should be able to justify the large amount of money in De la Paz's possession amid complaints by some police personnel about the lack of funds for equipment and even the gasoline for police cars.

Representative Rodolfo Antonino, chairman of the committee on public order and safety, said he would await the PNP report on the incident and initiate an investigation "if I am not satisfied."

The PNP still has not said exactly how much money Russian customs agents found in Dela Paz's possession but Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman, confirmed that the amount exceeded the customs limit for departing passengers.