[6] In 1965, the town was renamed as San Manuel by virtue of Republic Act No.

Poverty Incidence of San Manuel Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] As a municipality in the Province of Isabela, government officials in the provincial level are voted by the electorates of the town.

The municipality of San Manuel is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code.

San Manuel, belonging to the fifth legislative district of the province of Isabela, currently represented by Hon.

[23] The Schools Division of Isabela governs the town's public education system.